Happy Valley's James Norton shares exclusive Tommy Lee…

Happy Valley's James Norton shares exclusive Tommy Lee Royce update on The One Show

Happy Valley's James Norton shared an update on his villainous character Tommy Lee Royce as an exclusive preview clip was shown on BBC's The One Show. Appearing on the sofa opposite presenters Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas, James revealed a little bit of what was in store for his character in this week's episode - but stood firm on not revealing any major spoilers.

"Your character has been described as the ultimate villain," Jermaine said of Tommy Lee Royce, before asking James what it had been like to play one of the biggest villains on TV at the moment. Despite saying that playing such a violent character was "troubling", James added: "The truth is, it's really fun."

The 37-year-old has returned for the final series after a seven-year gap, much to the delight of fans. So far in the latest series, Tommy has been sporting long hair, occasionally tying it up. But, in an exclusive clip from the next episode, due to air on Sunday, we see Tommy getting his flowing locks cut off - something Alex suggested could signify a big moment on the horizon for the character. You can get more TV news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.

James Norton appeared on the show alongside Felicity Kendal (BBC)

"It seems like there must be a moment coming, because the look in Tommy's eye is a bit intense and a haircut sometimes signifies something," Alex said. Jermaine added that it could signify the character "shedding his skin."

But James wasn't ready to reveal any spoilers for what was in store, saying: "Maybe he just likes getting pampered, getting his glam on." James revealed that the man cutting his hair in the scene was a barber called Gaz who worked in Manchester, saying that they let the cameras roll while he got a haircut.

According to James, the scene was filmed for around 40 minutes - unlike the usual two to three minute cuts while filming scenes - with the crew watching the monitors. "It was weirdly meditative. The music was playing, I was getting lulled into a lovely state. It was a really bizarre but kind of magical day," James said of filming the scene.

Tommy Lee Royce is set to say goodbye to his long locks in the next Happy Valley episode (BBC/Lookout Point/Matt Squire)

A clip from the next episode showed Tommy getting his hair cut (BBC)

In the latest episode, Sarah Lancashire's character Catherine Cawood confronted her sister Clare, played by Siobhan Finneran, for taking her grandson Ryan to visit Tommy - his father - in prison without her knowledge. Catherine blames Tommy for her daughter Becky’s death as she killed herself shortly after he raped her. Confused as to why Ryan would want a relationship with the convicted criminal, Catherine was shocked to learn Ryan had been writing to him in prison since he was 10.

"You've said that when you're out and about people sometimes can't distinguish between lovely James Norton and Tommy," Alex said. The actor recently said that some fans could get carried away, describing moments when they had "screamed" and "grabbed" him because they thought they have been confronted with Tommy Lee Royce himself.

Fans will have to wait until Sunday to find out what happens to Tommy in the next episode - and whether his haircut really means there is something big on the horizon.