James Bye has revealed that his EastEnders co-star Lacey Turner came to his rescue during last week’s live episode, which marked the end of the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
The special half-hour live broadcast featured major moments, including Denise Fox finally choosing between Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati, and Sonia Fowler giving birth. Meanwhile, James and Lacey’s characters, Martin Fowler and Stacey Slater, were trapped inside the Queen Vic following the devastating explosion.
Martin had been injured after pushing Stacey to safety, leaving him pinned under a fallen beam. As they waited for emergency services, the former couple reminisced about their past and agreed they were meant to be together. However, just as they saw hope for the future, tragedy struck. When the beam was lifted, Martin suffered Crush Syndrome, leading to his heartbreaking death.
The emotional scenes were performed entirely live, making them even more intense for the cast. After the episode aired, James Bye took to Instagram to express his gratitude to fans, crew members, and most importantly, Lacey Turner.
“I have to thank one person who, without her, I wouldn’t have made it through. We laughed, we cried, from the first read-through weeks ago right up to the live episode,” James shared. “She’s an absolute warrior. She had a baby just weeks ago—not months, weeks—and still came back and delivered that incredible performance.”
He went on to recall a key moment during the live broadcast when Lacey “saved his skin,” though he left it to her to share the details. “She knows how much I love her,” he added.
James later appeared on The One Show, where he reflected on his exit from the soap. He revealed that when he learned about Martin’s departure, he personally asked to be the one to break the news to Lacey, calling it “the most difficult conversation.”
“I couldn’t have done it without her, 100 percent,” he admitted. “It’s been an emotional few months—full of joy, tears, and everything in between. We’ve worked together so much over the years, and to share such a special night with her is something I’ll never forget.”
