Martin Fowler (James Bye) has been laid to rest alongside his family in EastEnders.
Over six weeks since his devastating death after being crushed by a beam in the horrific Queen Vic explosion, his nearest and dearest have gathered to lay him beside parents Pauline and Arthur, and brother Mark.
The day’s events didn’t go without a hitch, however.
As grief poured through the residences, there was one notable absence – Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
As viewers of the soap will remember, she fled to stay with brother Sean in the wake of Martin’s death, unable to cope with the constant reminder of her loss.
In the moments prior to his passing, he confessed that he’d always loved Stacey, despite having reconciled with ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).
During Stacey’s absence, Ruby has been left to organise the funeral herself, much to her fury. But the resentment doesn’t stop there – as Stacey’s eldest daughter Lily (Lillia Turner) has been left to battle her emotions alone.
Today’s episode kicked off with the Slater family getting ready for the service, with Lily dressing her younger siblings. There was still no word from Stacey.
She was riding through the streets on the back of a milk float, drunk, and had to be whisked inside for a pep talk from Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).
As Sonia combed her hair and tried to sober her up, she reassured Stacey that it was not her fault that Martin passed – it was his choice to go back and help her escape.
With them both preoccupied, they missed a beautiful procession through Bridge Street, with Ian and Peter Beale (Adam Woodyatt and Thomas Law), Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and Zack Hudson (James Farrar) carrying the coffin.
The residents lined the streets, but Ruby noticed that Stacey was nowhere to be seen.
Everyone then headed to the church, with Stacey one of the last to leave her house.
She wandered over to Martin’s fruit and veg stall and placed a photo of them both, but was met by a furious Lily.
An altercation soon ensued, and it’s looking increasingly unlikely that mother and daughter will be on good terms anytime soon.
Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) darted off to find her, whilst everyone else boarded the cars.
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The funeral featured a tribute from Martin’s godmother Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), who reminisced on days gone by and tearfully said that he was far too young to die, and it should’ve been his duty to read a tribute for her one day.
Lily was due to read at the burial, but with her unable to, Stacey decided to take over instead.
This act caused Ruby to see red, but she luckily kept quiet for the sake of Martin.
