EastEnders’ resident copper Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) has a new case to investigate next week – and it’s one that hits close to home.

It’s a sad week in Walford as the locals prepare to say their final goodbyes to beloved market trader Martin Fowler (James Bye).

The long-standing character died in the aftermath of the Queen Vic explosion back in February.

And while tensions mount between his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and his partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) as they say their final goodbyes, they are rocked when a shocking crime is committed.

Shortly after Martin’s funeral, Stacey is horrified to discover Martin’s market stall has been set on fire.

She quickly makes it her mission to get to the bottom of the vile crime, promising her daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) she will find the culprit.

However, with the police on the case, Jack tells his former lover Stacey not to interfere and let them handle it.

While he continues his investigations, Stacey also carries on undeterred and is soon convinced she has all the evidence she needs to confront the person she suspects is the culprit.

The question remains, however, who would be so cowardly and cruel to set fire to the late Martin’s beloved stall?

Actress Lacey Turner reveals fans will see a ‘really self-destructive’ side to her character when she returns to screens next week.

Stacey has been spending recent weeks away from Walford with her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky), consumed by the grief she feels over the loss of Martin.

That’s because, as fans know, Stacey secretly reunited with Martin shortly before he died.

Lacey says: ‘Stacey isn’t coping and she’s being really self-destructive. She’s grieving for Martin but feeling so much guilt too.

‘I don’t think she’ll ever get over losing Martin, they were so close even when they weren’t together. Stacey is going to have to learn to live with it because she’s got kids that need her, but it won’t be easy.’