Matthew Atkinson’s Return as Thomas is Great News for B&B and Hope

After announcing his surprise engagement to Paris in July 2024, Thomas, his fiancée, and son, Douglas, promptly left town and haven’t been seen or heard from since. But that’s about to change now that Matthew Atkinson is set to return as the mercurial Forrester this September, and it’s great news for The Bold and the Beautiful and Hope.

Missing Villain

In the hands of Atkinson, Thomas was at his all-time best. He played the edgy and oftentimes twisted character with a quiet intensity that made him a powerful presence on the soap. He excelled as a master schemer, manipulating subtly yet always with an unwavering focus on his goal, be it snaring Hope (Annika Noelle) or breaking up Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) and Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang).

B&B has lacked in the male villain department since his departure, so having him back should ignite plenty of action.

Family and Fashion House Void

Thomas’ absence also left a big void in the house of Forrester, both in the family and the workplace. His scenes with his big sister, Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood), were always impactful and brutally honest, as she tried to steer him down the right path. Their push-pull sibling relationship was genuine and real and sorely missed.

So too was Thomas’ special bond with Ridge and Taylor (Rebecca Budig), the parents always committed to saving their wayward son, no matter how many times he faltered or failed.

Meanwhile, Thomas had been a critical part of the Forrester Creations fashion team as the lead designer for Hope for the Future. Not having him work side-by-side with Ridge at the drawing boards the past year, just as Ridge had spent decades working next to his father, Eric (John McCook), seemed glaringly wrong and took something away from the show’s family business feel.

Romance Roulette

Where Thomas has been missed the most, however, has been in his complicated relationship with HFTF’s creator, Hope (Annika Noelle), his work partner and long-time obsession. Although the pair ultimately progressed to lovers before his departure, things abruptly ended when Hope refused to accept his marriage proposal, prompting Thomas to move on with Paris. Despite the swift turnaround, there were still unresolved feelings between the pair, feelings that need to be explored.

The timing is perfect to stir things up now that Hope’s happily engaged to Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor), yet has been spending time with and growing closer to her ex, Liam (Scott Clifton), who she wrongly believed was dying. It opens things up for an intriguing quadrangle with Hope at the center, as she tries to figure out which man is her destiny. Meanwhile, Paris, who’s engaged to Thomas, and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire), who’s enamored with Carter, should have a powerful say in the outcome.