Atkins played the role of Liam in The Street in 2009. He also appeared as Bob in the 2010 two-part Doctor Who episodes Time of Angels and Flesh and Stone. He played Josh in a short film called Thinking Straight (Previously Known as Girl Talk). He also appeared in three episodes of Shameless as Jimmy. On 5 September 2011, it was announced that the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks would be introducing five new Freshers, with Atkins was cast as Rob Edwards.[2]