BBC EastEnders’ James Farrar’s life from rival soap role to tragic reason he quit modelling
BBC EastEnders star James Farrar has been a hit with viewers since joining the soap as Zack Hudson in 2021, but in real life, the actor couldn't be more different
EastEnders’ Zack Hudson, played by James Farrar, has been a hit with viewers since he first appeared on our screens in March 2021.
The 36-year-old actor has kept us entertained with Zack’s love life, which has seen him involved with characters like Nancy Carter, Sam Mitchell, Janine Butcher and most recently Whitney Dean. But away from screens, James leads a very different life. He’s been happily married to his wife Ali Roff Farrar for over five years, and they welcomed a baby girl into their family in 2021. Let’s take a peek at James’ life outside of EastEnders.
He was born in Greenwich, London, on 19 June 1987. From a young age, he loved performing and went on to study drama and media studies at the University of Portsmouth. He later attended the Central School of Speech and Drama, reports OK!.
Aside from acting, James is also a qualified personal trainer and vegan chef. Before joining EastEnders, James had a successful acting career, appearing in popular TV shows like Call The Midwife in 2017, Doctors in 2016 and Silent Witness in 2015. He also had an impressive modelling career, sharing his latest campaigns for big brands like Jimmy Choo and Dolce and Gabbana on Instagram, where he worked with famous faces like Nicole Kidman and Kate Moss.
Before launching his acting career, James worked as a model (
Instagram: JamesCFarrar)
In addition to his acting, James is a qualified personal trainer and vegan chef! (
BBC / Kieron McCarron)
James recently shared the heartbreaking reason for stepping back from modelling and joining EastEnders. “One of the reasons I joined EastEnders was because of my mum, who has cancer,” he told TV Mag. “It meant that if these are my last days with her, we spent them together rather than me travelling the world.”
Before his role on EastEnders, James was known for his role as Liam Gilmore in Hollyoaks, which he played between 2012 and 2013. His character, described by James as a “cheeky chappy”, was involved in many exciting storylines with his on-screen sister Jen Gilmore, played by Amy Downham.
This included the shocking revelation that teacher Jen was in a relationship with one of her students, Tilly Evans. While James’ character in EastEnders may have been unlucky in love, the same can’t be said for the actor himself. He’s been happily married to wellness writer Ali Roff Farrar for 15 years.
James Farrar, his wife Ali and their daughter Summer currently live together in Blackheath (
Instagram: Aliroff_farrar)
James previously starred in Hollyoaks (
Getty Images)
In 2020, Ali released her book, The Wellfulness Project, and James was super proud. He said: “The day I shoot my first Hollywood movie is the day I’ll achieve what you have today Ali. You did it.” They live in Blackheath, London with their first child, a little girl named Summer.
James loves being a dad. His daughter Summer Connie Castling Farrar was born in November 2021. When Summer was born, Zack posted a cute picture on Instagram of her in her mum’s arms. He tagged his family and friends. His message said: “Life will never stand still again and nor will I! #bobbinglife”.
James and Ali got married in 2017. James says Ali is his “soulmate.” Ali, who knows a lot about being happy and healthy, told everyone they were going to have a baby in July 2021. She shared a photo where they look really happy and are holding her tummy.
She wrote under the photo: “Mama and Papa. #babylove #firstbumppic #love.”
