Channel 5: Hertfordshire actor with disabilities in 'Finders Keepers'

The series premiered at 9pm yesterday (Wednesday, January 17) and sees Thom Jackson-Wood take on the role of Josh.

Neil Morrissey of Waterloo Road and Line of Duty fame, Fay Ripley of Cold Feet and The Inbetweeners star James Buckley also feature.

Thom, from Ware, has previously appeared in Casualty¸ Jerk and Celebrity Juice. He also performed in the London 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony.

Thom will feature alongside Waterloo Road, Line of Duty and The Inbetweeners stars. (Image: Supplied by Thom Jackson-Wood)

In Finders Keepers, he will play the son of Martin (Neil Morrissey), who is a non-verbal wheelchair user requiring full-time care.

Despite using a wheelchair in real life due to severe fibromyalgia and being neurodivergent since birth, Thom found this role "challenging" but relished the opportunity.

He said: "Being unable to walk or talk, Josh could have easily been a very passive or tragic character, but I wanted to make him engaging to watch.

The series premiered yesterday (January 17). (Image: Supplied by Thom Jackson-Wood)

"I’m hoping that audiences will see and enjoy his personality - much like Gromit from Wallace and Gromit, Josh doesn’t speak, but he has the best lines.

“I’m neurodivergent in real life, but most of the roles I’ve played have been wheelchair users who are neurotypical.

"This is the first neurodivergent character I’ve played onscreen. It’s great that more opportunities are being created for disabled actors, but in my opinion, we still need more of them. 

“I’ve known and worked with a number of non-verbal disabled people through my work with Herts Inclusive Theatre, so I’m familiar with some of the struggles they face, but wearing Josh’s shoes gave me a whole new appreciation for the work they have to do to be heard. 

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“I won’t spoil the story, but Josh becomes Martin and Anne’s conscience, as the difference between right and wrong gets more blurred.

"He’s a catalyst that gives them permission to do bad things, because they believe it’s for the right reasons.” 

Thom has previously performed at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. (Image: Supplied by Thom Jackson-Wood)

Further information about Finders Keepers can be found at: www.channel5.com/show/finders-keepers