Early RA roles: From Lifeguard Lothario to Edwardian Stagedoor Johnny

That shameless flirty-girty, fitness instructor and lifeguard, Lee Preston, in the final series of the popular comedy-drama “Cold Feet.” What this lad can do for a Speedo . . .

Philip Turner, sportsman, philanderer and possible murder suspect in the episode “In Divine Proportion”-Inspector Lynley Mysteries.

Another Philip, Philip Durant, and another  fellow with an eye for ladies to whom he isn’t married in “Ordeal by Innocence,” a Miss Marple Mystery.

RA plays the mustachioed Bill Chatford in the 30’s period piece “Malice Aforethought.” This time, he’s the one who gets cuckolded.  We do get to see him in a pair of handsome purple pajamas . . .

Watch out for that deceptively cherubic face of dashing man-about-town Percy Courtney in “Marie Lloyd.” Percy loves Marie, but he’s got a weakness for the good life and good-looking ladies–and quite a temper.

Who’s your baddie?: Poll

We all know Richard Armitage enjoys playing baddies. Of course, I don’t even consider my first and favorite RA ChaRActer, Sir Guy of Gisborne, to be truly bad–just misunderstood.

Excluding the Sultan of Smoulder, who is your favorite amoral/immoral bad boy  ChaRActer? Tell us why.  Is it someone not listed here? If so, who?

RA’s Heartbreakers: Rogues, Cons & Bad Boys

Philip Durant, the husband with the roving eye and a potential murder suspect in Agatha Christie’s Ordeal by Innocence.

Lee Preston, the firty-girty lifeguard with the irresistible charm and an inability to be faithful to one woman in “Cold Feet.”

The charming Stage Door Johnny, Percy Courtenay, who swept future Edwardian musical hall star Marie Lloyd of her feet in “Marie Lloyd.”

John Mulligan, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks turned successful businessman–and, perhaps, more in :”Moving On.”

Heinz Kruger, crafty murderous spy for the evil Hydra in “Captain America.”

Percy and his angel face after shaving.

And the bad boys . . .

Ah, Sir Guy. Beautiful, swaggering, smouldering alpha male, the sheriff’s right-hand-man, hungry for power and wealth–and for someone to trust and to love, who will give him love and loyalty in return. Richard says it is so much fun to play the bad guy. When it’s Richard playing the role and giving it so much nuance and depth, you love watching the bad guy, too. And sometimes, you find them downright irresistible.

There’s John Mulligan, who is handsome and and oh-so charming and successful–and involved in drug dealing.  Lee Preston, gorgeous flirty-girty lifeguard with the face of an angel, the body of an Adonis and the libido of a tom cat, the two Philips, Durant and Turner, philanderers who end up as murder suspects . . .

More bad boys and a video that showcases them

John Mulligan, the charming con man of "Moving On."

Percy of "Marie Lloyd"--the face of an angel . . . but not necessarily the disposition.

Philip Durant of Ordeal by Innocence--the unfaithful husband.