Former EastEnders star Martin Fowler has opened up about leaving the iconic show, revealing that he found one part “weird”.

In scenes aired earlier this year James Bye’s character saw his time on the show come to a traumatic end after being killed as part of the programme’s 40th anniversary shows.

In an action packed episode, Martin found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as an explosion at the iconic Queen Vic pub rang out around the street.

Lying crushed beneath a fallen beam, Martin’s final moments we saw him profess his love to ex-wife Stacey Slater before exchanging vows before his passing.

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However, after his shocking final scenes were aired last February, he admitted that he would find doing one thing weird. “I haven’t watched my character’s funeral. If I’m honest, I’d find it a bit weird,” he explained.

During Martin’s final moments on the show, we saw Martin and Stacey exchange vows (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Confessing that he had no plans to watch his final moments on the show back, he also shared his unease at an unusual request from the soap’s art department. He explained: “The art department were asking for pictures of me to put in the order of service. But I said no. I didn’t want real photographs of me with my family cut out.”

Speaking about his harrowing exit, James told the BBC: “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.”

He added: “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.”

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James Bye

James revealed how he rejected one request from the show’s art department (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
James was the third actor to play Martin Fowler in 2014, after James Alexandrou previously held the role from 1996 until 2007.

After James announced his departure from the soap in 2007, Martin was written out of show alongside his then wife, Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy. But, after seven years away, producers decided to reprise the role, with James Bye being cast in 2014.

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But, despite his recent exit from the soap, James has teased that there was “more to come” in a recent Instagram post as he reunited with Lacey Turner, writing: “Always great to spend some time with my old mucker, so much love for you Lacey”.

Beginning his career in acting back in 2006, when he played Tom Burrows in The Bill, it is for his time on EastEnders that he is most well-known.

But, after landing his role on the popular BBC show, James has also been seen on some of the country’s favourite game shows, including the likes of Strictly Come Dancing where he was the fifth celebrity to be voted out back in 2022.

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