James Castling Farrar (born 19 June 1987) is an English actor and model, known for his role as Liam Gilmore in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. He rose to prominence in 2021 for his portrayal of Zack Hudson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
Early life and education Farrar was born on 19 June 1987 in Greenwich, London. He undertook a drama and media studies degree at the University of Portsmouth graduating in 2008. He graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2010.
Career Prior to acting, Farrar worked as a model. He made his acting debut in an episode of EastEnders as Brendan, before appearing in a number of short films including Donkey, Dominic and Loser. In 2011, he joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks as Liam Gilmore. He left the role in 2013.
In 2021, he joined the BBC One soap opera EastEnders as Zack Hudson, the long lost half-brother of Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and son of Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas).
Personal life Farrar is also a qualified personal trainer and vegan chef. He married Ali Roff Farrar in 2017 and they have a daughter born in 2021.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2011 EastEnders Brendan Episode: 11 November 2011 2011 Donkey David Short film 2011 Dominic Will Short film 2012 Loser Ashley Short film 2012–2013 Hollyoaks Liam Gilmore Series regular 2013 By Any Means Andy Season 1, episode 6 2014 Bin Men Mick Short film 2015 Silent Witness Dean Fallon Episode: "One of our Own (Parts I & II)" 2016 Anti Matter James the Righteous 2016 Doctors Steven Cropper Episode: "Sparks" 2017 Call the Midwife Lester Watts Season 6, episode 1 2021 Blank Shores Connor Short film 2021 Off Your Head Post-production 2021–present EastEnders Zack Hudson Regular role 2025 EastEnders: 40 Years on the Square Himself Interviewed Guest
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result 2021 Inside Soap Awards Best Newcomer 2021 I Talk Telly Awards Best Soap Newcomer 2021 Digital Spy Reader Awards Best Soap Newcomer 2022 Inside Soap Awards Best Double Act (shared with James Bye) 2023 The British Soap Awards Best Leading Performer 2023 National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance 2023 Inside Soap Awards Best Actor 2024 TV Choice Awards Best Soap Actor
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