The original Liam Butcher actor from EastEnders looks completely different seven years after his departure from the BBC soap.
With a different career James Forde now dubs himself “bob the builder” after trading acting for working in construction in a dramatic U-turn.
James, 26, played the role of Bianca Jackson’s son Liam Butcher from 2008 until 2015.
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In the soap he was brother to Tiffany Butcher-Baker and Morgan Butcher.
You’re probably thinking “but wasn’t Liam a part of recent EastEnders storylines?” and you’d be right in saying that – because he was.
But Liam was actually portrayed by a different actor – Alfie Deegan – when he popped back up in the soap in 2021.
James – who goes by jfordee on Instagram – has more than 40,000 followers on the photo-sharing platform.
One week ago James shared an unrecognisable selfie where the actor-turned-builder looked worlds away from his soap role
With his face looking slimmer and his jaw-line more pronounced with a little stubble, James had his hair slicked back and appeared to be topless.
Posing for a sultry snap he penned: “Little trim – seriously over due. Also thinking of growing it long again.”
One fan took to the comments section and said: “How sexy,” while another penned: “Nice trim cut @jfordee James my favourite Liam from EastEnders.”
Elsewhere on his Instagram page, James posts snaps of him with his nephew, and also while he is at work and donning hi-vis gear.
On the app his bio states: “Ex-Actor (Liam Butcher EastEnders) now Bob the Builder. I love golf.”
James addressed his replacement last year when fans were outraged that he wasn’t heading back to Albert Square.
Taking to Twitter he said: “Appreciate the love people but don’t be upset.
“I chose myself to be a builder and not an actor and I am genuinely happier than ever right now. Do what works for you and be happy.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
