James Bye, known for playing Martin Fowler on EastEnders for over a decade, has opened up about his last request to BBC bosses before his character’s tragic farewell in Thursday’s (February 20) live episode. Martin met a heartbreaking fate following a devastating explosion at The Queen Vic.
Trapped under a heavy metal beam, Martin suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after reconciling with his former love, Stacey Slater. Appearing on The One Show on Monday (February 24), James shared that his biggest wish before leaving the show was to personally break the news of his departure to Lacey Turner (who plays Stacey), rather than her finding out from producers.
“I was sworn to secrecy,” James admitted. “Of course, those involved in the storyline were informed soon after I was. But I told the executive producer, ‘You have to let me tell Lacey myself.’ That was the hardest conversation—aside from telling my wife, who wasn’t exactly thrilled either.”
Reflecting on his final months on set, James described them as deeply emotional. “There were tears and laughter. Lacey and I have worked together so much, and saying goodbye was tough,” he said, as reported by Plymouth Live.
He added, “But to go out in such a special episode—it’s something I’ll never forget. I probably won’t get the chance to do something like that again. The audience’s response has been overwhelming.”
Martin Fowler, a character first introduced in EastEnders in 1985, met his tragic end in the soap’s live 40th-anniversary episode. As the Queen Vic crumbled, Martin risked his life to save others, including Stacey. However, after pulling her to safety, a falling beam pinned him down.
Despite paramedics warning that removing the beam could trigger a fatal condition known as Crush syndrome, the decision was made to lift it. Moments later, Martin passed away, his death confirmed by Stacey’s heart-wrenching screams echoing through Albert Square.
