| James William Baxter | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 August 1990 Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England |
| Years active | 2007 - present |
James William Baxter (born 3 August 1990) is a young English stage and TV actor best known for his role as Jake Doland in the ITV soap Emmerdale, as well as parts in the play Scarborough and an appearance in the BBC's The Revenge Files of Alistair Fury, filmed on Tyneside. He also played the part of Alex Maddison in ITV World War II drama Joe Maddisons War.
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James was born and brought up in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear and was educated at Farringdon Community Sports College, which he left in the summer of 2006. With an interest in acting from an early age, he attended weekly classes at NADA (the Northern Academy Of Dramatic Arts) held at the city's Royalty Theatre. Whilst there he appeared in various productions including Some Like It Hot and the pantomime Aladdin, playing Wishee Washee (Christmas 2006).
James had a starring role in the critically acclaimed production of the Fiona Evans stage play Scarborough at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival, his performance as teenager Darren embarking upon an illicit affair with his PE Teacher Lauren (Holly Atkins) gaining many plaudits from the critics: Baxter is a revelation as Daz, fluent, articulate, accidentally hurtful and still in many ways a child.;[1] James Baxter is just terrific as Darren, capturing his mix of eager-to-please playfulness and cocky teenage swagger.;[2] James Baxter is extraordinarily good in his first theatrical role – with three performances each day and an audience so close he can hear them breathing, this is certainly a baptism of fire and he absolutely rises to the challenge.[3]
James also played 'Billy' in the North East musical 'Fine Fine Fine' written by popular agony aunt Denise Robertson based on a true story from one of her books.
In December 2007, James signed a six month contract to play Jake Doland in Emmerdale, arriving for the christening of his storyline half brother. His contract was then extended to last another year, covering his involvement in several major storylines, and Baxter continued playing Jake Dolland until the character left for Spain in the summer of 2009.