EastEnders welcomes Call The Midwife star James Farrar to the cast

James is joining the EastEnders cast as unpredictable troublemaker, Zack.

EastEnders has announced today that former Silent Witness and Call The Midwife star James Farrar has joined the cast.

James will begin filming as new arrival Zack Hudson in February, with his first scenes arriving on screen in March.

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Zack has been described as an unpredictable troublemaker who lives life in the fast lane.

But as well as ruffling some features when he arrives in Albert Square one thing fans should know is Zack is a lone wolf following a difficult childhood that has left him determined to never rely on anyone or become too attached.

More: Home and Away EXCLUSIVE: Summer Bay favourite Dan Ewing reveals all on his long-awaited return

EastEnders insiders are remaining tight-lipped about who Zack will meet when he arrives.

Could he already know someone on the Square? Or is there another reason for him rocking up in Walford?

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TV fans will recognise actor and model 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 and Doctors.

This isn't the first time that James has been in EastEnders, either. He also appeared back in 2011 as a character called Brendan.

A new chapter

Speaking of his new role, James said: "I’m thrilled to be joining EastEnders.

"As a born and bred Londoner myself, I can’t wait to bring my experience of a place I love and know to such a well-respected long running show, with such iconic characters.

EastEnders Albert Square — What brings newcomer Zack to Albert Square (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

"Zack certainly has a very complicated past and there is a real depth to him that I can’t wait to explore."

Executive Producer Jon Sen added: "James is a wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast, playing the charming rogue Zack Hudson.

"We are all excited to see James bring the character to life and there’s plenty of drama in store for him - trouble is always just round the corner…”

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.