EASTENDERS hunk James Farrar has been left devastated after the death of his close friend and agent Keely Silvester.
The 37-year-old actor, who plays ladies’ man Zack Hudson in the BBC One soap, broke down in an emotional video tribute where he struggled to hold back tears.
James shot to fame as Zack Hudson in EastEnders in 2021[/caption]
Choking up, James, 38, said: “Keely Silvester you changed my life as you did for so many lads.
“I remember the day I walked into Mortimer Street and you were sat on the end of 20 bookers. You said, what do you want, what do you need?
“I explained, I said I didn’t really fancy the modelling. You made me feel like I was part of something. There’s nothing better than feeling part of something.”
The soap star went on to slam advice he once received, revealing: “I got told at drama school, don’t be friends with your agents. It’s the worst bit of advice I’ve ever received.
“These people are a big part of your life, and there needs to be a connection.”
Recalling just how close the pair were, James continued: “Keely’s been at our wedding.
“She was at my engagement to Ali. She was here the first few weeks of Summer being born.
“We shared some of life’s biggest highs and lows together … bless you for being kind at the same time as being one of the most incredible agents that I think the world has had.”
He revealed Keely had worked with models David Gandy and Paul Sculfor, adding she had been: “All over the world, an incredible career in modelling up to life as a booker.”
In one of the most touching moments, James compared Keely to his mum and said: “I often went back to my mum and said, Select are really looking after me and that one particular lady, her name is Keeley, and she reminds me of you.
“The fact that I felt like you looked after me like a mother would. It was inspiring.”
He said he wanted his young daughter to grow up with Keely’s example: “I want my little Summer girl to watch the likes of you.
“Where you can be kind and successful at the same time, I think we’re forgetting that in this world.
“You were the perfect example early on in my career of what I needed to do — step into rooms, be good. Don’t just be very good, but be very nice, be kind.
“Thank you, Keely Silvester. Your boy should be proud cause the Select boys certainly are.”
Keely’s family were quick to thank the star for his moving tribute, saying: “Thank you so much James for the beautiful words.”
Others also shared messages of support, with one fan writing: “Beautifully said James, she is an absolute legend and we will all miss her so much. Love her.”
Another added: “Bless you, that was emotional to watch but showed such genuine love for your dear friend x sorry for your loss.”
James first joined EastEnders in 2021 and quickly became a fan favourite.
His character Zack has had major storylines, including his HIV diagnosis, a fling with Sam Mitchell, and his turbulent romance with Whitney Dean.
The pair faced heartbreak when they lost their baby daughter Peach, before discovering they were expecting again — only for Zack to cheat with Lauren Branning.
This year Zack also learned the shocking truth about his secret son.
Off-screen, James is every bit the family man. He married his childhood sweetheart Ali in March 2017, and the couple share a daughter, Summer, four.
They’ve been together for 20 years after first falling for each other as teenagers.
Speaking about his long-term love, James once said: “When we first met we were unavailable. Our interests were football, netball, partying and being rascals.
“We couldn’t help falling for each other and a lot has happened since. In our 12 years together Ali has spent time travelling the world educating herself on Eastern and Western philosophy.
“I spent a year away from London filming a TV show. We moved to Blackheath together and got married.”
When Summer was born, he proudly gushed: “Life will never stand still again and nor will I! #bobbinglife.”
Away from Albert Square, the ripped actor is a fitness fanatic, often showing off his workouts to fans online.
James and his wife share a six-year-old daughter Summer[/caption]
James is a fitness fanatics, with the actor posting insights into his workouts on Instagram[/caption]