James is a British actor with a wide ranging theatre and screen career. Born in Kent to Anthony and Susan Hillier he is the eldest of three boys. He studied English Literature at King's College, London and then went on to train at RADA from where he went straight into the prestigious BBC production of Great Expectation. His stage work includes 'Lulu' at the Almeida, 'The Homecoming' at The Royal Exchange, the British Premier of Tennessee Williams, 'Something Cloudy Something Clear' and 'Blue Surge' by Rebecca Gilman for which he was nominated for a Best Male Performer Award. James is artistic director of theatre company Defibrillator. He spends his spare time with his long time partner Amy Lamont and their two boys and is a talented sportsman and sports fan, following Tottenham Hotspur FC.