The streets of Walford will never be the same. After a decade of grit, heartbreak, and hard-won redemption, EastEnders fans watched in shock as beloved character Martin Fowler met his heroic end during the show’s live 40th anniversary episode. Played by James Bye since 2014, Martin’s journey from market trader to tragic hero ended in a blaze—literally—when an explosion tore through the Queen Vic. But as Martin’s life came to a shattering close onscreen, James Bye’s next chapter is just beginning. And it’s one no one could have predicted.

A Farewell Written in Fire—and Love

Martin’s final moments on EastEnders were nothing short of cinematic. In a devastating explosion that rocked the Queen Vic, he made the ultimate sacrifice—not for glory, but for love. When the blast erupted, Martin stayed behind to rescue his ex-wife, Stacey Slater (played by Lacey Turner), a woman he had loved, lost, and never quite gotten over.

As they attempted to escape the wreckage, a steel beam came crashing down, trapping Martin and sealing his fate. But in his final breaths, with pain etched across his face and the weight of his past pressing down, Martin reached for redemption. He proposed to Stacey, declaring his undying love in one last act of raw vulnerability. His voice barely above a whisper, he poured out his heart before the beam was lifted—and death claimed him before the world could witness a second chance for these two soulmates.

The emotional resonance of the scene sent shockwaves through longtime fans. Stacey’s screams echoed through the pub as Martin’s lifeless body was pulled from the rubble, her grief palpable. For a character whose journey had been defined by loyalty, sacrifice, and complexity, Martin’s end was both fitting and heartbreakingly noble.

Life After Walford: Enter Mr. Darcy

Just days after his onscreen farewell, James Bye stepped into the limelight once more—but this time, under very different circumstances. Appearing on the red carpet at the Thunderbolt premiere in Leicester Square, Bye looked every bit the romantic leading man, sporting a suave new look complete with sideburns and swept-back hair—miles away from Martin Fowler’s more rugged style.

It’s a transformation that hints at his next role: the iconic and brooding Mr. Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes to Pemberley. Based on P.D. James’s murder-mystery sequel to Pride and Prejudice, the stage adaptation—helmed by directors Duncan Abel, Rachel Wagstaff, and Joe Harmston—reimagines the lives of Austen’s most cherished characters in a chilling new context. Bye’s casting as the emotionally guarded yet magnetic Darcy marks a bold leap into period drama territory.

“After a decade of gritty storylines, it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men,” James said at the time of his departure. “But I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”

A New Chapter—Onstage and Online

Bye’s professional evolution doesn’t end at the theatre doors. In the digital age, stars are finding innovative ways to connect with fans—and James is no exception. The actor has officially joined Cameo, the celebrity video messaging platform, where he’s offering personalized clips for £51 and bespoke business endorsements starting at a jaw-dropping £1,778.

From heartfelt birthday greetings to motivational pep talks and even agony-uncle-style advice sessions, James is embracing this moment of post-EastEnders popularity with savvy flair. According to a source close to the actor, “James signing up for Cameo at the height of his popularity is a no-brainer. It’s easy cash for him to make before his next acting role. He joined the platform the week of his exit and has already been inundated with requests.”

It’s a testament to how deeply audiences connected with Martin Fowler, and by extension, the actor who gave him such heart. James Bye’s departure from EastEnders may mark the end of one era—but it’s clear fans aren’t ready to say goodbye just yet.

The Ripple Effect: What Martin’s Death Means for Walford

Martin’s death isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a seismic shift in the emotional landscape of EastEnders. For Stacey Slater, the man who sacrificed himself for her survival is gone, leaving a cavernous void. How will she cope with the guilt, the what-ifs, the memory of a proposal that never had a chance to bloom? Will this deepen her existing wounds, or will it reignite her fiery resilience?

For his family, especially his children and close-knit relatives like Sonia and Kush, the loss of Martin will no doubt send shockwaves through their daily lives. The aftermath promises to explore grief in raw, honest ways, with the kind of emotional realism that EastEnders excels at portraying.

And as viewers reel from this tragedy, whispers already swirl around potential fallout. Could Martin’s final act of heroism inspire others to reconcile old wounds? Will Stacey find herself drawn to others who shared Martin’s values—or perhaps to someone new, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements? Walford has never been short on drama, but this moment may have ushered in a new era of emotional reckoning for many.

A Beloved Star, a Bright Future

While Martin Fowler’s journey has ended in heartbreak, James Bye’s future is radiant with promise. His transition from soap stalwart to stage sensation highlights not only his versatility as a performer but also his deep resonance with audiences. Whether he’s rescuing his soulmate from the rubble of the Queen Vic or exchanging barbed words in Regency-era drawing rooms, Bye’s presence remains magnetic.

As he trades Albert Square for Pemberley and sideburns for tailored waistcoats, one thing is certain: James Bye knows how to make an exit—and an entrance.