Major update issued on EastEnders legend James Bye after Martin's death (2025)

James Bye’s wife Victoria has offered fans an update on her husband following his unexpected exit from EastEnders.

James, as viewers know, starred on the BBC One soap for over a decade as fruit and veg market trader Martin Fowler.

Martintragically diedin the aftermath of the explosion at the Queen Vic – during what was EastEnders’ 40th anniversary – after he vowed to rescueStacey Slater(Lacey Turner).

He and Stacey discussed their feelings for one another but tragedy struck soon afterwards, witha beam from the roof falling onto Martin’s legs.

The paramedics arrived as he and Stacey talked about getting married again but sadly there was nothing that could be done, with Martin subsequently dying when the beam was lifted.

The plot development came as a huge shock to fans, given that Martin was the son of soap stalwarts Pauline and Arthur Fowler – and had been a staple of the show since its beginning.

James has already landed a new role, playing Mr Darcy in a production of Death Comes To Pemberley from May 1 to June 28.

Ahead of rehearsals for his new part, the actor is enjoying some well-earned time off and wife Victoria has updated fans on what it’s like having him at home so much following a decade-long stint on a soap, saying it’s been ‘strange’.

‘I’m just not used to it, to be honest!’, she said in a video shared on her social media platform. ‘For years, he’s got up and gone to work and now he’s at home all the time.

‘He’s getting in my way to be honest!’, she joked, revealing that her husband likes to cook’.

‘He’s everywhere. We’ve got two more weeks until he starts rehearsals for his play,’ she continued, adding thatit’s been ‘lovely’ having him at home so often.

‘Yeah it really sounds it. It really sounds like you enjoy my company,’ responded James, with a hint of sarcasm.

Following James final scenes – which were broadcast live – EastEnders has been gearing up to bid farewell to Martin in funeral scenes which have already been filmed.

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