EastEnders star says people dont shake his hand amid BBC soaps HIV storyline
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EastEnders actor James Farrar has revealed that members of the public have 'refused' to shake his hand following his character's HIV storyline.
James is currently playing Zack Hudson on the BBC soap and fans have watched the character struggle to come to terms with being HIV positive.
But the soap star left host Alex Jones stunned on Friday's (April 21) The One Show when he spoke about how some members of the public have reacted to his character's sensitive storyline.
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Speaking passionately about the role and the research he has done to accurately portray the effects of the diagnosis, the star spoke about the common misconceptions of how the disease can spread before
He told hosts Ronan Keating and Alex Jones: “It’s storytelling at its best. You’ll see the Walfrord residents on Monday – it’s a similar reaction to what Peggy Mitchell, Barbara Windsor had which was you’re not coming in my pub because I don’t wanna catch this.
“Where within my story it’s been people saying that you can catch it from toilet seats and shaking hands.
"I’ve had it out there in the public, where people have gone ‘ugh I better not shake your hand’ whether it’s tongue-in-cheek or not it is it’s not acceptable either.
A shocked Alex Jones said: “It’s surprising that you say that.”
“It’s still happening,” he added.
Fans were quick to comment on the star’s empowering message and took to social media to voice their opinions.
One fan gushed: “Lovely to see @JamesFarrar_on the one show talking passionately about how important it is to change perceptions towards HIV. Sad to hear people joking IRL about not wanting to shake hands in case they catch it – shows how it does need a light shining on it still. #EastEnders”
Another added: “Aww James seems like an absolute sweetie. Really passionate about doing the best job at portraying the #EastEnders storylines.”
The storyline began when Zack began experiencing health problems and went to the hospital to get checked out.
After undergoing several tests, he was informed that he was HIV positive. This news came as a shock to Zack, as he had never been tested before and had assumed that he was negative.
Throughout the storyline, Zack struggled to come to terms with his diagnosis and the stigma associated with HIV. He initially kept his diagnosis a secret from his friends and family, but eventually confided in his sister Sharon and best pal Ben Mitchell, who was supportive.
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