I was one of soap’s biggest child stars but I quit fame to install satellite dishes – and I love it

He was just 12 year old when he landed a coveted role on one of the biggest soaps in UK.

But child star James Forde packed in acting after playing EastEnders’ Liam Butcher after seven years and now works as an engineer for a satellite company.

James played Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson’s son as a youngster between 2008 and 2015.

He left the show when his alter-ego and girlfriend Cindy Beale left the Square for a new life Germany with her newborn daughter Beth.

Eight years on from his stint on the BBC soap, and James is all grown up and loves his new job.

Despite deciding to stay out of the spotlight, James has a huge following on social media and boasts an impressive 41k followers on Instagram.

He works for a company called AAA Satellites & Aerials and regularly shares selfies from various jobs he’s working on.

Prior to that he was working as a builder and jokingly referred to himself as ‘Bob the builder”.

Liam was previously played by Jonny Bottomley between 1998 and 99, Jack and Tom Godolphin the following year, and Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan in 2002.

Nathaniel Gleed played the youngster between 2002 and 2004 before James took over the role.

Since 2021, actor Alfie Deegan has played the Liam on the hit show.

Back in October James broke his silence on being replaced by another actor.

Liam surprised Tiffany and Whitney at Ruby’s, where they were enjoying a few drinks, and revealed that he’d been working in Germany as a mechanic.

Fans were outraged when the young Butcher looked remarkably different, but James commented on Twitter: “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.”