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HAPPY BOY

Inside Happy Valley baddie James Norton’s life off screen including actress girlfriend and health battle

He terrifies the nation every Sunday night as Happy Valley villain Tommy Lee Royce.

But off screen hunky actor James Norton is nothing like his sinister alter ego in the smash BBC drama.

James poses with actress girlfriend Imogen Poots at a festival
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James poses with actress girlfriend Imogen Poots at a festivalCredit: Instagram
The actor is currently terrifying fans as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley
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The actor is currently terrifying fans as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy ValleyCredit: PA
James cools off in a paddling pool
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James cools off in a paddling poolCredit: Instagram

The 37 year old, who is also known for his roles in Grantchester, McMafia and War & Peace, often shares snippets from his real life with his fans on social media.

James, who was born in Lambeth, London and privately educated, is currently engaged to actress Imogen Poots, who has been with since 2018.

He regularly shares snaps of the pair's relaxed, easy-going relationship.

The pair enjoy live music and made the most of a sunny weekend at the Wilderness festival last summer, posing for a series of carefree shots.

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They watched the electronic band Jungle while sipping fizz and dancing in the fields.

If his instagram is anything to go by, James also loves to keep things real by heading off for a spot of camping in between breaks from filming commitments.

The actor has shared a snap of himself making porridge in front of a tiny tent, wrapped up warm in a puffa jacket.

Meanwhile, during the heatwave last year, rather than heading to a posh members' club pool, he cooled off like the rest of us in a paddling pool in the back garden.

James is also keen to spread awareness around diabetes, as he suffers from the Type 1 version of the condition.

The pin-up has posted images of himself with his insulin injections, as well as a patch on his hip that measures his insulin levels.

On World Diabetes Day back in November, he shared the caption: "It’s a day to raise awareness about diabetes. But also to simply show some love and support for all the diabetic warriors out there.

"At its best, our condition is a constant faff. At its worst, it’s a complete bitch that can be potentially life threatening on a daily basis, if it’s not looked after properly.

These two insulin pens I’m holding, as well as the @dexcom sensor on my bum, keep me alive every single day. You have no idea how valuable these small devices are to us T1s, and how grateful I am to live in a country where we have free access to this type medicine and tech.

That said, a cure would be nice."

James wears a patch to measure his insulin levels
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James wears a patch to measure his insulin levelsCredit: Instagram
James has spread awareness about diabetes
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James has spread awareness about diabetesCredit: Instagram

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