EastEnders’ James Bye says ‘the time felt right’ for live show exit
His character Martin Fowler died after going into cardiac arrest when a metal beam was removed from his midriff.
James Bye has said “the time felt right” for his exit from EastEnders, after his character Martin Fowler was killed off in the show’s 40th anniversary week live episode.
Martin died of a cardiac arrest in Thursday’s episode of the BBC soap, after suffering crushed syndrome when a beam, which landed on him after an explosion in the Queen Vic, was lifted from his midriff.
Just before the beam was removed, he had successfully proposed to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), and they had kissed, before Stacey told him: “It’s going to be all right.”
Martin appeared to be safe but moments later went into cardiac arrest, and paramedics were unable to save him.
Bye, 40, said: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the show’s 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.”
Martin first arrived in Walford in July 1985, making him the first baby born in EastEnders, to Pauline and Arthur.
Played by James Bye since 2014, the character’s death is expected to have devastating repercussions across Albert Square, as those who knew him struggle to come to terms with his death.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw, said: “It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much-loved loyal company member for 10 years.
“James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers.
“When discussing James’s exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved.
“To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode, is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history.
“I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.”
Martin’s father Arthur, played by Bill Treacher, appeared in the first scene of the first EastEnders episode in February 1985, when he broke in to elderly neighbour Reg Cox’s house with Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) and Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih) where they found Reg unconscious in his chair.
