After a two-year hiatus, ITV's hit show Malpractice is set to return with its second series on Sunday, 4th May.

The upcoming season promises a fresh look and feel, with several new characters being introduced.

Among them is Dr James Ford, a psychiatrist who becomes the central figure in the season's investigation.

Taking on the role of James is actor Tom Hughes, known for his performances in TV shows like Victoria and films such as Red Joan.

As we prepare to welcome Tom back to our screens, let's delve into his life off-camera, including his high-profile past relationship....

Born in Cheshire on 18th April 1985, Tom Hughes is a multifaceted talent - an actor, model, and musician, now aged 40.

He honed his acting skills at the Liverpool Everyman Youth Theatre group before graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2008 with a BA in Acting.

Tom has made a name for himself through various TV shows, modelling campaigns, and as the guitarist of indie band Quaintways.

Upon completing his studies, Tom secured his first acting gig in the BBC spin-off series Casualty 1909 in 2009. Around the same time, he featured in the ITV drama Trinity, before making his big-screen debut in 2010 with Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll.

Tom went on to feature in the comedy Cemetery Junction, as well as BBC One's Silk and the TV film Page Eight. He played Aumerle in The Hollow Crown and was subsequently cast in the lead role in the BBC film 8 Minutes Idle.

His major breakthrough came in 2016 when he landed a starring role in ITV's Victoria as Prince Albert, acting alongside Jenna Coleman. He later appeared in the 2019 film Red Joan with Judi Dench and was cast in the second series of A Discovery of Witches that same year.

His most recent TV role is in ITV's Malpractice, where he joined the second series as Dr James Ford.

Beyond television, Tom has modelled for Burberry, having once been the face of the brand's summer collection alongside Emma Watson.

The current relationship status of Tom remains a mystery, as the actor prefers to keep his personal life private.

He was previously in a relationship with actress Jenna Coleman for four years, their romance blossoming in 2016 when they started working together on ITV's Victoria. It was revealed in 2020 that Jenna and Tom had ended their relationship.

Jenna has since started dating filmmaker Jamie Childs after meeting on the set of The Sandman. The couple welcomed their first child in 2024.

Malpractice airs on ITV1 on Sunday, 4th May at 9pm. The second and third episodes will air on 5th and 6th May.