ARTHUR Darvill has become well known for his roles on Doctor Who and Broadchurch, which has returned for its third and final series.
The actor said the third series“is going to be just brilliant”, with “more of the feel of the first series”. Now, well underway, fans would definitely agree.
And what about Arthur himself? Here’s everything you need to know:
What’s Arthur Darvill’s background?
Arthur Darvill was born on June 17, 1982, in Birmingham.
His mum, Ellie, is an actress, and toured Britain as a member of Cannon Hill Theatre, helping run the puppets.
Before Arthur’s sister was born, Ellie often took him with her on tours, where he helped set up the shows.
His dad, Nigel, played the Hammond organ for artists including Fine Young Cannibals and UB40.
Arthur attended Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire.
How did Arthur get into acting?
When Arthur was ten years old, he joined Stage2 Youth Theatre Company.
In 2000 he got a job on CITV, presenting continuity links between shows.
The following year he founded his own theatre group, Fuego’s Men.
Arthur, who plays keyboard and guitar, also started his own band, Edmund, named after a character from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
When he was 21 he moved to London, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
In 2006 made his professional stage debut as criminal Harrison in Edmond White’s Terre Haute during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Two years later he made his TV debut in ITV crime drama He Kills Coppers.
What roles is he known for?
Arthur is best known for playing Rory Williams, companion to the Eleventh Doctor, in series Five of Doctor Who.
After leaving Doctor Who he was cast in hit ITV crime drama Broadchurch, along with former Doctor Who stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman.
He is also known for playing the lead male role, Guy, in the Broadway musical Once, in 2013 and 2014.
He has said his worst acting gig ever was as an elf at Santa’s Kingdom at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
What is Broadchurch about?
Broadchurch is a crime drama set in the fictional small town of the same name on the southwest coast of England.
Series one focused on the murder of 11-year-old Danny Latimer, with DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) leading the search for his killer.
DI Hardy was new to the area, having left his old patch, Sandbrook, after botching a case.
At the end of series one, Joe Miller – the husband of Ellie Miller – confessed to Danny’s murder.
Series two opened with Joe’s trial. The jury found him not guilty, but the community banished him from the town anyway.
The remainder of series two focused on the reopening of the Sandbrook case, with Hardy attempting to redeem himself after his previous failure.
The plot of the third series of Broadchurch had been a closely guarded secret, but we do know it focuses on a sexual assault, with Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh playing rape victim Trish.
Writer Chris Chibnall said: “This is the final chapter of Broadchurch.
“We have one last story to tell, featuring both familiar faces and new characters.
“I hope it’s a compelling and emotional farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.”
Who does Arthur Darvill play in Broadchurch?
Arthur plays Reverend Paul Coates, the local vicar. He is a recovering alcoholic and an insomniac.
In series one he became close to the Latimer family following Danny’s murder, and DI Alec Hardy was suspicious of him.
Later he also becomes close — very close — with local temptress Becca Fisher.
When is Broadchurch on and is there a trailer?
The series returned to ITV on Monday, February 27, and continues every week at 9.00pm.