The EastEnders cast is mourning the heartbreaking departure of Martin Fowler, whose tragic death aired during the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode. Martin, played by James Bye, met his end in a dramatic explosion at the Queen Vic. In his final moments, he and Stacey Slater confessed their love for each other, only for Martin to be crushed by a falling beam. Despite paramedics’ efforts, he went into cardiac arrest, dying in front of a devastated Stacey.

Following the emotional episode, James Farrar (Zack Hudson) took to Instagram to pay tribute to his co-star. He praised Bye’s ability to bring authenticity to every scene, recalling how he made their performances feel natural—often starting takes by making tea on set. Farrar described Bye’s humor as infectious, thanking him for the unforgettable moments they shared both on and off-screen. He acknowledged how much he would miss working with him but assured fans their friendship would continue beyond the show.

Diane Parish (Denise Fox) also shared her thoughts on social media, admitting she hadn’t yet watched the episode because she wanted to process the loss properly. She called Bye’s performance a “powerhouse” display of acting, noting that he and Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) delivered something truly extraordinary. Parish expressed admiration for their work, acknowledging the difficulty of filming such an intense scene. She concluded with heartfelt words, saying that while it was Martin’s farewell on-screen, it was not goodbye in real life.

Martin Fowler’s tragic exit has left a lasting impact on EastEnders fans and cast alike, marking one of the most emotional departures in the show’s history.