Robert James-Collier stars in Channel 5’s new Stephen Booth adaptation Cooper & Fry
Megan Nisbet Content Editor
14:45, 25 Nov 2025
Cooper & Fry is the brand new detective drama from Channel 5. The new series is an adaptation of the popular books by Stephen Booth, and draws from the author’s earlier novels including Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind To the Bones and Dancing with the Virgins.
Robert James-Collier plays local DC Ben Cooper alongside Mandip Gill, who takes on the role as his partner and newcomer, DC Diane Fry.
A synopsis for the series reads: “Set in the mystery-shrouded Peak District, DC Ben Cooper (Robert James-Collier), an affable local, is thrown together with guarded newcomer DC Diane Fry (Mandip Gill), to investigate a string of mysterious deaths.
“Based on the bestselling novels by Stephen Booth, the two mismatched detectives must work together on a series of unusual cases to get results. Despite Fry’s scepticism of local folklore, they’ll need to navigate not only the twisted paths of the cases before them, but also the shadowy beliefs that still hold sway in the hills.
Downton Abbey star Robert James-Collier plays DC Ben Cooper in the new Channel 5 drama(Image: Channel 5)
“As their personal lives begin to intertwine and past scars look to be healed, a unique friendship is formed. While Cooper and Fry unearth old rituals and beliefs, they must rely on each other to not only bring justice, but to survive.”
Robert James-Collier is no stranger to the screen, having starred in Downton Abbey and Coronation Street. Here’s everything you need to know about the actor.
Who is Robert James-Collier?
Robert is an actor from Manchester. He is best known for his roles on Downton Abbey and Coronation Street and is currently starring in Channel 5’s Cooper & Fry.
The 49-year-old has a son with his parnter Lauren Chandiram but keeps his family out of the limelight.
DC Ben Cooper and DC Diane Fry played Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill (Image: Channel 5)
Robert James-Collier’s career
Robert kicked off his acting career with roles on the television series Down to Earth and the 2005 movie, Perfect Day, before nabbing a few appearances on shows including Shameless and Casualty before getting his big break on Coronation Street.
Robert played Liam Connor on the beloved soap between 2006 and 2008 before stepping into the role of Thomas Barrow on Downton Abbey. Robert played Thomas for five years on the ITV series.
He also starred in Ackley Bridge as Martin Evershed, The Level as Kevin O’Dowd and Fate: The Winx Saga as Saul Silva, more recent roles have seen Robert star in The Inheritance, The Long Shadow and Generation Z.
On his new role as Ben Cooper in the Stephen Booth adaptation on Channel 5, Robert said his character is different to police officer he’s played before. He said: “There are two massive differences; he’s not corrupt, unlike DS O’Dowd in The Level, and he’s not based on a real person, unlike DCS Jack Ridgway in The Long Shadow. He’s genuinely a nice guy.
“Ben has a backstory where he’s trying to find out who’s behind the horrific murder of his dad, who was a well-known police officer. I enjoyed playing that emotional element and adding layers to the performance.”
Robert James-Collier on Cooper & Fry(Image: Channel 5)
Robert James-Collier’s health issue
Robert has opened up about challenging scenes during filming of Cooper & Fry, due to hip and knee isues. He explained: “Any sequence where I had to run was challenging, because I need a bone spur to be shaved off my left hip and my left knee’s always been dodgy.
“I had to go down a few hillsides which were quite steep – they don’t look steep on screen, but they were really steep! As I get older, those scenes become a bit more challenging.”
On other challenging scenes he said: “The show’s called Cooper and Fry which meant Mandip and I were filming every day. We were in 90% of the scenes, so we had a phenomenal amount of dialogue to learn. I’ve never been an out-and-out lead before.”
Adding: “The scenes when Ben finally opens up about the death of his father were challenging because you want to be authentic for anyone watching who’s lost someone or been in Ben’s situation. I didn’t want to sound hammy or be clichéd.”
Cooper & Fry continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 5.
