James is the ex-boyfriend of Summer Shaw. James arrived in Hollyoaks in October 2007, having been given leave. He told Summer that he was set to leave for Afghanistan the next day, where he was set to be posted for five months. Summer considered asking him to stay, but changed her mind as she realised that she couldn't have her Broadway dream whilst being with James at the same time. James left for Afghanistan alone, and the pair decided to split a few weeks later.