Downton Abbey: Gay character trying to ‘cure himself’ of homosexuality
(Warning: Spoilers for the current seriesĀ of Downton Abbey below)
The creators of Downton Abbey have revealedĀ aĀ plotline in which aĀ gay butlerĀ will try to cure himself of homosexuality.
The historical period drama, currently set in the 1920s, has in recent weeks seen underbutler Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) involved in secret experiments, and taking an unknown medication that appears to be causing him pain.
The show’s writer, Julian Fellowes, revealed in a videoĀ that the character is actually trying to ‘cure’ himself of homosexuality.
He said: “He falls for the quackery that this can be cured, that he can get rid of this dumbbell he is dragging around with him. His fortitude takes him through a period of incredible physical discomfort.”
“The result he seeks is impossible – it’s not to be obtained by any medical treatment, it was just quackery.
Rob James-Collier added: “He wants to be able to love, so he embarks on quite a dark and serious journey rooted in his sexuality to try and change how he is.
“I really wanted to get down to why Thomas was how he is. For me, I made the choice it was his sexuality.
“You wake up every morning and your religion is telling you you’re condemned.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of men like Thomas did do this, because what was the alternative? There wasn’t one.”
