Putting aside all the autobiographical things we know about John Scot Barrowman and focusing on what we know post Torchwood (telly version), what do we not know? Well, that’s the tough question, because, John is a social butterfly, so shares all of his stories, his life and his loves on social media, so finding something that nobody else knows, is nigh on impossible. So, we decided that, with everything that John has achieved in his life thus far, that it was probably better to see what he’s been up to since Torchwood ended on the telly rather than find something that probably wasn’t true, and upsetting the guy by posting it.
Torchwood has to be one of the best spin-offs from Doctor Who but since Torchwood ended on our screens in the fourth season – Miracle Day, and with the head of Drama announcing that the BBC were axing Torchwood, millions of fans were heartbroken and desperate for more of their heroes in some form or another.
John was also saddened by the news, so he and his sister Carole, continued with Captain Jack and wrote a few Torchwood comic book stories which followed on from Exodus Code, their novel written in 2011.
In 2015, the very first Torchwood audio arrived from Big Finish and Torchwood was well and truly back, with The Conspiracy taking Torchwood back to its almost beginnings with the full team including Ianto Jones for its second outing. Although Conspiracy only starred John Barrowman, it also featured the late John Sessions who played George Wilson. More cast joined for the continuing stories, and Big Finish brought back Owen, Tosh and Ianto Jones and not forgetting Sgt. Andy Davidson and Rhys. Suddenly the full team were there, to hear, and to remember, and to get excited about all over again.
John wasn’t just acting though, since Torchwood, he’s returned as presenter for panel shows such as Pressure Pad, as well as being a judge on Dancing on Ice, and performing as singer for other dance off shows, once hosted by Bruce Forsyth. He’s appeared as a performer for the Commonwealth Games, and who can forget that kiss back in 2014. Loved the suit. And guest appeared on Loose Women, making us laugh once more by falling off his seat.
And if we talk about his love of all animals, let’s not forget his time at the Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital, where he got to work with students looking after Scotland’s small and indeed a few larger animals, all needing some TLC.
John does love his animals, especially his dogs, and quite recently took in another wee dog to add to his family. Wee Dixie. What a cutie. On the subject of dogs, John hosted the game show Superstar Dogs, in and around the same time as Animal Hospital was broadcast.
One of the biggest characters that John has been involved with since Torchwood, is Malcolm Merlyn, from the Dark Archer series with Arrow from 2012 – 2019, The Flash between 2015 – 2017, and Legends of Tomorrow from 2016 – 2017. Merlyn, as much as we all wanted to hate him, you couldn’t help but admire the character – and its Barrowman – you can’t hate him for long. Even when he played that dastardly bad guy in Desperate Housewives – as much as you knew he would get his comeuppance, you still kind of rooted for him – right? Oh, just me then!!!
In 2016, John played Munro in two episodes of Reign, where his Scottish accent was less convincing, but his character was quite something – even if he didn’t survive the episode. She was a bit evil, was she not?
Of course, it has to be said, that seeing Jack back in Doctor Who has been well overdue – but being somewhat cynical, I often wonder if it’s not just been because of the flagging ratings. But, and that aside, it’s been wonderful seeing him return, and as Doctor Who time lines are never linear, I’m wondering just how old Gwen’s son is and when Big Finish will bring that into a story!!!
In 2014 John released his fan funded album. You Raise Me Up, which you can hear on Spotify and Apple Music. Plenty of well known tunes to sing along to.
It’s hard to believe that it was 2018 when John was in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. It was also one of the best seasons of the show, because everyone looked after each other. Nobody was bitching and back stabbing, and nobody was a flake. I haven’t seen a single series since or before that one when everyone worked together as a team. And when Scott met up with John in the Jungle, I think I had a lump in my throat. It was such a sweet moment.
Covid-19 may have knocked John’s spirit during the initial start of the pandemic, because after you’ve achieved all your goals in the house, all the catch ups you’ve not been able to do because of work, all completed, he was struggling to get through the day, in much the same way as many other people struggle. But with his fans pulling together and bringing back that sparkle, he was once again taking over the Internet platforms being FAB-U-LOUS once more.
Everyone needs a little sparkle in their lives and John adds it by the bucket load.
Happy Birthday Mr Barrowman from all us fans, from far and wide, and even teenage Weevils.
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