TV

Karl Davies stars in ITV’s The Tower, former Emmerdale actor returns

Do you remember bad boy Robert Sugden?

The Tower began on ITV last night (Monday November 8), but viewers recognised one of the ensemble cast immediately as Robert Sugden in Emmerdale.

Karl Davies played the character on and off for almost a decade.

But when was he on the show and why did he leave?

The Tower star Karl Davies played Robert Sugden in Emmerdale
Karl as Bailie in The Tower (Credit: ITV)

Who does ex-Robert Sugden actor Karl Davies play in The Tower?

Thirty-nine-year-old Karl plays Tim Bailie in The Tower.

Sarah Collins’ boss at the Special Investigations unit, he’s in regular in contact with DI Kieran Walsh – who may or may not be a bent copper.

Read more: The Tower on ITV: 6 burning questions we need answers to after episode one

So is Bailie in cahoots with Shaw? And why is he so mean to Sarah and trying to put the kibosh on her investigation?

It wouldn’t be the first time Karl has played a character involved in a controversial storyline…

The Tower star Karl Davies played Robert Sugden in Emmerdale
Karl started in Emmerdale in 2001 (Credit: YouTube)

When did he play Robert Sugden in Emmerdale?

Karl became the second actor to play Robert Sugden in ITV soap Emmerdale.

He took over from Richard Smith in 2001 and immediately proved to be a bit of a bad boy.

Robert was involved in a running feud with brother Andy (Kelvin Fletcher), and had an affair with his wife Katie (Sammy Winward).

He then, controversially, had an affair with 15-year-old Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb).

And that wasn’t all – he was romantically involved with Sadie King (Patsy King).

The Tower star Karl Davies played Robert Sugden in Emmerdale
Robert certainly played the field – including his brother’s wife, Katie (Credit: YouTube)

What happened to Karl during his time as Robert?

His controversial storylines grabbed the headlines; so much so, he was often accosted in the street by angry fans.

In an interview with the Daily Record in 2005, Karl said: “When I’m out and about girls will give me a scolding because of Robert’s cheating, although most guys pat me on the back or shake my hand.

“Most of it is friendly banter, although was hit by a handbag a couple of years ago.

“I’m nothing like Robert. God, no. He’s a complete swine but I’m really quite shy and retiring.”

Why did Karl leave Emmerdale?

Karl decided to leave the soap in 2009, declining the offer of a new contract later.

Speaking to The Mirror at the time, producer Kate Oates said he understood why.

“I wanted to bring the character back and asked if Karl was interested, and explained that if he wasn’t then we might have to look elsewhere,” he said.

“I understand why [he didn’t want to return] – he’s doing other things and he’s doing incredibly well.”

Happy Valley will be back for a third and final series in 2022 the BBC has confirmed
Karl also appeared in Happy Valley (Credit: BBC)

What else has Karl been in since Emmerdale?

Since Emmerdale, Karl has been busy.

In 2012, he appeared in the global fantasy smash Game Of Thrones, playing Alton Lannister in three episodes.

He then landed the role of Daniel Cawood in celebrated BBC One crime, Happy Valley.

Read more: The Tower on ITV1: Who is in the cast of the thriller opposite Gemma Whelan?

Appearing in both series as Catherine’s son, it’s not clear if he’ll be back for the much-anticipated third series.

Other credits include Call The Midwife and Chernobyl.

Karl Davies Talks About Stripping Off In Brief Encounters | Lorraine

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor