Viewers were forced to bid farewell to James Bye's character after he was the second character to die after the Queen Vic's shock explosion.
EastEnders fans were deeply moved as Martin Fowler, played by James Bye, died tragically during the 40th anniversary live episode. Martin, trapped under a steel beam after the Queen Vic explosion, died from crush syndrome. His ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was devastated as Martin proposed to her moments before his death. The episode, filled with emotional farewells, saw Martin declare his love for Stacey and propose, only for her to discover his grim prognosis. Stacey was unable to tell him of his fate, and he died in her arms. The episode concluded with Stacey embracing Martin's lifeless body as his ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) reacted to the tragedy outside. Fans expressed their grief on social media, with many calling the scenes unbearable and mourning Martin's death. The episode also marked the birth of Sonia Fowler's daughter, Julia, in honor of EastEnders creator Julia Smith.
