The 35-year-old actor rose to fame after starring in The History Boys at the Royal National Theatre, going on to tour the world.
But while his impressive acting skills have earned him a strong fan base, his topless Instagram snaps never fail to cause a stir online.
So luckily for fans, his latest role in football focused flick The Pass contains both.
In an exclusive clip from the upcoming movie, Russell can be seen relaxing on a bed in nothing but his underwear as he plays about with a video camera.
The fittest male celeb abs in showbiz 
View galleryZooming in on his co-star Arinze Kene's package, the cheeky fella can be seen recording his team-mate before focusing on his muscled torso.
But it isn't all about rippling abs and bulging boxers, as the film actually has a much deeper message - highlighting the issue with homophobia in football.
Telling the story of three very different nights over 10 years, the flick follows the life of Premier League footballer Jason, from his first big match to a surprise kiss with his team-mate and the repercussions.
Gaz Beadle previously urged gay footballers to come out and reveal their identity in a bid to tackle discrimination in the sport.
Writing in his Daily Star Online column, the Geordie Shore lad said: "If you are happy enough to watch the lads slap a ball between each other, then think about having the balls to help stamp out homophobia and admit being a #lad isn't just about copping off with lasses.
"It’s a f***ing shock that there are no openly gay footballers in the Premier League.
"For f***'s sake, how many professional league footballers are there in this country? About 4,000?
"Yes, private life is private…I know that.
"But what f***ing misery it must be to live a lie.
"You can only do something about a s*** situation if you stand up against it and challenge it head on."
Meanwhile, reality TV star Junaid Ahmed claimed he was forced to sign agreements before secretly dating closeted footballers.
"I've had to sign agreements before with solicitors so that I can't out them," he told Daily Star Online.
"It's because being gay in football is still such a taboo subject.
"They told me 'I'll happily come out once I've made a certain amount money, because then it won't matter if I lose my job'
"But why should they have to choose?"
THE PASS will be released across the UK on 9th December 2016.
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