Who plays Zack in EastEnders? Everything you need to know

Zack Hudson is in a pickle.
Who plays Zack in EastEnders? (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders favourite Zack Hudson first arrived on the Square in 2021, where it was revealed that he was Sharon Watts' (Letitia Dean) long-lost brother.

Since his arrival, he's been a part of some major storylines including accidentally running over his girlfriend Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) while giving her sister Frankie Lewis (Rose Ayling-Ellis) a driving lesson and then he cheated on her with Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) which caused Nancy's exit from Walford.

He has been facing some tough hardships recently after he was diagnosed with HIV. He then had to deal with the devastating loss of his baby daughter Peach who he shared with Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) after she was diagnosed with Edwards' Syndrome.

Zack has since told Whitney about his HIV diagnosis, who initially reacted badly to the revelation, but now it seems that they're on their way to rekindling their romance.

So, who plays Zack in EastEnders? Read below to find out...

Who plays Zack in EastEnders? 

Actor and model James Farrar plays Zack in EastEnders. You may recognise James from his role as the terrifying East End gangster Lester Watts in Call The Midwife back in 2017.

In 2015, James appeared as Dean Fallon in Silent Witness, as well as appearing in many other TV roles including Hollyoaks as Liam Gilmore and Steven Cropper in Doctors

Before landing the role of Zack in EastEnders, he played a character called Brendan in 2011.

James is also a successful model, shooting campaigns opposite supermodels Kate Moss and Barbara Palvin.

Zack Hudson has to collect the ashes alone

Zack has been through tough times in EastEnders recently.  (Image credit: BBC)

Is James Farrar married?

James has been married to Ali Roff Farrar since 2017 and they welcomed their first child together in 2021.

How old is James Farrar?

James is 35 years old. He was born on June 19, 1987.

Kathy was married to villain Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas), who was the biological father of Zack and Sharon.

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.