Adam Thomas had his 12-year-old son Teddy beside him as he collected the Best Drama Star prize at the Inside Soap Awards, held in Manchester for the first time. It was the actor's second win in the category for his portrayal of Donte Charles in Waterloo Road, a role he first began playing as a teenager almost two decades ago.
The 38-year-old actor said he was 'over the moon' and 'absolutely delighted' with the victory, but was especially happy that Teddy was there to support him. When asked how proud he was of his dad, Teddy replied: 'Really proud!'
Waterloo Road a family affair
The celebration was particularly fitting as Waterloo Road has become a family affair for the Thomas family. Adam plays long-running character Donte, while Teddy plays his on-screen son Tommy Charles. Adam's niece Scarlett Thomas, 17, is also in the cast as Izzy Charles.
Reflecting on why Donte continues to resonate with viewers, Adam said: 'I think he's just very relatable. I feel like Donte has been the heart and soul of Waterloo Road, and I'm just very blessed to be able to play an amazing character like him.'
He added: 'I was in this show when I think I was 16 years old, and now I'm back again. The fact that I get to go back and play the role of Donte just means so much.'
Jack Rimmer reunion
The BBC drama recently brought Donte face-to-face with former headteacher Jack Rimmer, played by Jason Merrells. The reunion came as a surprise even to Adam, who said: 'Just expect the unexpected with Waterloo Road. You just never know what's going to happen.'
He described it as 'a beautiful reunion' and a full-circle moment, having previously worked with Jason Merrells on Emmerdale as well. 'We went from Waterloo Road to Emmerdale and then back to Waterloo Road. It was a full-circle moment for me,' he explained.
Adam, who played Adam Barton in Emmerdale, also credited Waterloo Road with giving him his start as an actor. 'When I was 16 years old, when I first joined the show, I hadn't necessarily really done any work prior to Waterloo Road,' he recalled. 'They gave me a chance and a platform to show off what I was capable of.'
Asked whether Tommy could still be roaming the corridors of Waterloo Road in another 20 years, perhaps as a teacher, Teddy declared: 'Oh yes, 100%.'
