EastEnders will bid an emotional farewell to Martin Fowler in upcoming scenes, after fans were left in floods of tears by his death in the soap’s 40th Anniversary special.
New images have offered a glimpse at what will no doubt be a tear-jerking occasion, as Albert Square gathers to say their goodbyes to the soap stalwart.
While snaps from the scenes show a lavish funeral procession complete with a Daddy floral tribute, its also been revealed that similar pieces have been laid at Martin’s famous market stall.
Viewers will see Martin’s funeral unfold in the coming days, with it also recently announced that his niece Vicki Fowler will be returning to Walford, though this time played by actress Alice Haig.
After being the first ever baby to be born on the show, Martin was tragically killed following an explosion at the Queen Vic.
Following his heroic attempt to rescue his longtime love Stacey Slater, he was crushed by a falling beam.
EastEnders will bid an emotional farewell to Martin Fowler in upcoming scenes, after fans were left in floods of tears by his death in the soap’s 40th Anniversary special
Martin was tragically killed during the soap’s live episode last week, after being crushed by a beam following an explosion at the Queen Vic
New images have offered a glimpse at what will no doubt be a tear-jerking occasion, as Albert Square gathers to say their goodbyes to the soap stalwart
At first, it appeared that Martin had been successfully rescued from underneath the beam, but his heart then stopped as firefighters rushed to try and save him.
His ex-wife Stacey was left in floods of tears as Martin died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed.
The heartbreaking episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin’s lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic for news.
Viewers were quick to take to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their devastation and shock over Martin’s death as they admitted they were in mourning.
The comments included: ‘EastEnders got me crying like this’; ‘It was LIVE. They could’ve stopped it happening’;
‘That’s so wicked that they killed off Martin’; ‘I’m not f**king okay after that’; ‘Actually sobbing at EastEnders’; ‘I’m taking time off work for grief. That scream will haunt me’;
‘That was unbearable to watch’; ‘I will never forgive #EastEnders BRING BACK MARTIN AND BRING HIM BACK NOW.’
The emotional scenes saw on/off couple Martin and Stacey share a tearful final conversation while the firefighters tried to rescue him from beneath the beam.
While snaps from the scenes show a lavish funeral procession complete with a Daddy floral tribute, its also been revealed that similar pieces have been laid at Martin’s famous market stall
Viewers will see Martin’s funeral unfold in the coming days, with it also recently announced that his niece Vicki Fowler will be returning to Walford
Alongside the funeral carriage, a Daddy floral tribute was on full display
After months of avoiding their feelings, Martin declared his love for Stacey and proposed, promising her any future in or out of Walford as they decided to give their relationship another chance.
‘I truly, madly, head over heels, love you,’ Martin declared. ‘I don’t ever want to be apart from you again, alright?’
‘Will you marry me?’ he then asked Stacey, who said there was no need to have another ‘party’ to celebrate their union.
Persuading her, he said: ‘It’s you and me showing the world how much we love each other,’ and told her he wanted to make a wedding speech about her.
‘So is that a yes?’ Martin asked her, prompting Stacey to giggle and reply: ‘Yes!’
However, their happiness was short-lived and Stacey began to worry that something was wrong and upon speaking to a paramedic, made a heartbreaking discovery.
The medic told her that once the beam was lifted, Martin’s body would be flooded with toxins and he was at risk of crush syndrome because of his injuries.
After being told to say her goodbyes to Martin, Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell him about his tragic fate, but he soon realised upon seeing her devastation.
They had a heartbreaking farewell as, through tears, Martin told Stacey the words he would have told her on their wedding day after his proposal.
Sharing what his speech would have been, he began: ‘No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her.
‘I thought she was the sexiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on. It’s always been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one.’
In a nod to EastEnders’ 40th anniversary, he added: ‘I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.’
The couple then shared a kiss before firefighters began to lift the beam and though it at first appeared Martin had been rescued, he then tragically died.
The episode came to a heartwrenching end with Stacey’s screams being heard by the Walford residents waiting outside the Queen Vic for news about those stuck inside.
As Stacey hugged Martin’s lifeless body, his ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) – who has been involved in a love triangle with the duo – fell to her knees as she heard the screams.
It was a devastating twist as Martin’s death came just moments after the good news that Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) had given birth to her daughter in the ruins of the Queen Vic.
Martin’s funeral is expected to air in the coming weeks
Martin’s ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was left in floods of tears as he died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed
The heartbreaking live episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin’s lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic’s ruins
Martin first arrived in Walford on July 30, 1985, and was first played by Jon Peyton-Price and then James Alexandrou, before James Bye took on the role in 2014.
During his 10 years on the soap opera, James has been at the centre of some of EastEnders’ biggest storylines and shared some poignant words upon his exit.
He said: ‘Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows 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.
‘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.’
Meanwhile, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: ‘It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years.
‘James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers.
‘When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved.
‘To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history.
‘I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.’
