The Butcher family are one of the most iconic families in EastEnders history, boasting legends like Frank Butcher (Mike Reid), Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) and, of course, the iconic Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement).
There may not be any Butchers on the Square anymore, but we’ll always remember them in their heyday.
One underrated member of the family is definitely Liam Butcher, who has been played by several actors – but most famously between James Forde between 2008 and 2015. It’s been eight years since James quit EastEnders (and acting altogether) and he’s since established himself in a very different career.
Who is James Forde?
He's a former actor best known for appearing on EastEnders.
Who did James Forde play in EastEnders?
James starred as Liam Butcher, the son of Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). He took on the role of Liam Butcher when the character returned to Walford in 2008. Liam had been played by six different actors before then and was also recast in 2021 but James was the longest-running actor in the role, starring on EastEnders for seven years.
What is James Forde doing now?
After leaving EastEnders in 2015, James bagged himself a new career as a builder. He now works for AAA Satellites & Aerials as an engineer.
What happened to Liam Butcher on EastEnders?
During his time as Liam, James was involved in some hard-hitting storylines including a dyslexia diagnosis - which explained the difficulties he was then having at school.
He also briefly joined a gang, which involved him being arrested and saw him ultimately get stabbed by another gang member.
Liam became involved in a relationship with wayward Cindy Williams (Mimi Keene) and the pair left the show together in 2015 – but in EastEnders no one ever goes away quietly...
When did Liam Butcher leave EastEnders?
In a dramatic exit storyline, he demanded £100,000 from Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) for him and Cindy to go to Germany to live with Ricky, who left the show in 2012, or threatened to tell police that Bobby Beale (then played by Eliot Carrington) killed sister Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).
After Jane promised to pay him regularly, they both bid their families farewell, leaving Walford behind for good. No doubt to the sound of major 'duff-duffs'.
Liam returned to Walford in 2021, this time played by Alfie Deegan. It quickly came to light that he'd run out of money in Germany and concocted a get rich quick scheme with Janine (Charlie Brooks) and Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).
After making money, he returned to Germany but this time with his sister Tiffany (Maisie Smith) in tow after causing problems in her relationship with Keegan Baker (Zack Morris).
Is James Forde returning to EastEnders?
It doesn't seem like it as James is no longer an actor.
How old is James Forde?
He's currently 27 years old. He was born on 27 June 1996.
Who is James Forde dating?
James doesn't appear to be dating anyone at the moment and is thought to be single.
Does James Forde have Instagram?
You can find him on Instagram at @jfordee.