In a heart-wrenching live episode of BBC’s EastEnders, fans witnessed the tragic death of beloved character Martin Fowler, portrayed by James Bye. Born on the soap in 1985, Martin met his untimely end during the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations. In emotional scenes, Martin declared his love for ex-partner Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) while trapped under a metal beam in the Queen Vic following an explosion. As he waited for medical help, he proposed to Stacey, only for her to receive devastating news. Paramedics explained that Martin could suffer from Crush syndrome, a potentially fatal condition caused by severe muscle damage. Tragically, Martin passed away after the beam was removed, with his death confirmed by chilling screams echoing around the Square.
James Bye played the role of Martin for a decade
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Outside the Vic, Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) collapsed in tears upon realising the horrifying truth. The episode ended on a sombre note, but upcoming spoilers hint at what lies ahead for the residents of Albert Square. Next week, as Walford grapples with its new reality, emotions run high and the community rallies together in the face of tragedy, reports the Mirror. The residents of Albert Square will gather at Harry’s Barn on Turpin Road to pay their respects, but the emotional event will spark even more drama. Meanwhile, Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, has decided it’s time to bid farewell to Walford once again.
Martin confessed his love for Stacey before his tragic death
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Martin Fowler, the first baby born on the show in 1985, has been a central figure in the Square, following in his father’s footsteps by working on the market’s fruit stall. James Bye, who has portrayed Martin for a decade, shared his thoughts on leaving the show: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. “It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.”
