EastEnders fans will remember actor James Forde for playing Liam Butcher on the BBC soap.
Making his TV debut at the age of 11, James played the troubled son of Ricky and Bianca Butcher from 2008 to 2015.
But since leaving the show, the now 25-year-old has carved out a different career path – and looks very different to his soap alter ego.
These days James rocks a ginger beard which he accessorises with a hard hat in his new job as a builder.
And despite no longer being an actor, he has a huge following on Instagram proving he is still a hit with fans.
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Describing his new role, James’ Instagram bio says: “Ex-Actor (Liam Butcher EastEnders ) now Bob the Builder.”
He adds: “Do you and be you. Do what makes you happy & feel good.”
His Instagram account has over 42,000 followers and he often posts selfies in his building gear, much to the delight of fans.
One fan commented on the surprise career change saying: “Life after EastEnders lol a full time job.”
To which James hit back: “Yeah it’s called normality mate.”
Speaking about why he made the switch to building, James said: “I chose myself to be a builder and not an actor.
"I am genuinely happier than ever right now. Do what works for you and be happy.”
During his time on Albert Square, James’ time as Liam was filled with several shocking storylines. These included gangs, battling bullies and teenage pregnancy.
His final storyline in August 2015 saw him leave the square with his girlfriend Cindy Williams and her baby daughter Beth to start a new life together in Germany.
And James is not the first actor to play the character of Liam Butcher.
As a baby he was played by Jonny Bottomley and twins Jack and Tom Godolphin from 1998 to 2001.
Twins Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan portrayed a young Liam in 2002. This was followed by Nathaniel Gleed, who played the youngster from 2002 to 2007 until James took over in 2008.
Since 2021, the role has been played by actor Alfie Deegan.
Liam’s character returned to the soap in October 2021 after deciding to reunite with sisters Tiffany and Whitney.
Liam has been living in Germany with his and Tiff’s father, Ricky Butcher, but returned out of the blue to apparently support Tiffany following her marriage to Keegan Baker crumbling after he slept with her friend Dotty Cotton.
While Tiffany is convinced that Liam can do no wrong, it will become clear that her brother is not being entirely honest about why he has returned to Albert Square.
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