EASTENDERS fans are preparing for a tearful goodbye in the upcoming weeks – with first look photos at Martin Fowler’s funeral.
The beloved fruit-and-veg stall holder, played by James Bye, lost his life in dramatic scenes last week as the series celebrated its 40th anniversary.
In new photos, a horse and carriage can be seen leading a funeral procession, with the words “daddy” spelled out in flowers as it makes its way through the Square.
A photo of the fallen character sits framed next to the coffin.
His fruit and veg stall, which he inherited from his brother Mark Fowler, is seen covered up in its usual spot.
Martin died in ex-wife Stacey Slater’s arms in the closing seconds of the final live episode, having been crushed under a falling steel beam in the Queen Vic pub after an explosion.
In heartbreaking scenes he proposed and planned the next 40 years of their lives before the paramedics told Stacey that he would likely not survive his injuries.
Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised.
He decided to tell her what he’d say at their wedding, telling her: “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 alway been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one.
“I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.”
Viewers watched as Ruby, who had just rekindled her own romance with Martin after revealing she had a secret son, dropped to her knees in the square as she heard Stacey’s heartbroken crying and screams from outside the pub.
Martin Fowler star James Bye says emotional goodbye to EastEnders castmates after live episode
The scenes proved so traumatic for fans that they threatened to call Ofcom over what occurred.
In a sweet video after the episode aired, actor James bid farewell to his fellow castmembers with a suitable East End knees-up.
The group, including Jessie Wallace, Natalie Cassidy and Lacey Turner – could be seen celebrating a job well done as the live 40th anniversary episode came to an end.
James captioned the video: “More to come… so much more to say… but for now – to Martin & all the EastEnders family – we love you.”
In honour of the show’s anniversary, James wrote: “A decade ago, I was welcomed into the EastEnders family at Elstree—and that’s exactly what we are.
“No doubt, it’s a madhouse most days, but it’s also a place filled with people, both on and off screen, who pour their hearts into this show every single day.
“It’s truly special, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it, surrounded by the amazing people who make EastEnders what it is.”
