The actor has remained busy since he left Walford several months ago

Jame Bye and his wife Victoria(Image: Photo: @lifewiththeboys)

Former EastEnders star James Bye’s wife had paid tribute to her husband after the Martin Fowler actor began a ‘new chapter’.

Fans of the BBC soap were left devastated back in February when Martin died at the end of the programme’s 40th anniversary week.

The beloved fruit and vegetable salesman died in the arms of his former wife Stacey Slater after an explosion at the Queen Vic left him trapped under a steel beam.

James played the role since 2014, quickly becoming a fan favourite as the first baby born on Albert Square, originally played by Jon Peyton-Price in 1986 before James Alexandrou joined in 1996 for 11 years.

Shortly after his exit scenes in a live episode, it was announced that James would be playing the role of Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes to Pemberley.

The stage adaptation of PD James’s sequel to Pride and Prejudice, follows Mr Darcy and his wife Elizabeth as they continue to be loved-up following the conclusion of Jane Austen’s classic novel.

Away from the spotlight James and his wife Victoria, who he met over two decades ago, share four children together: Edward, ten, Louis eight, Hugo, five and two-year-old Rufus.

James Bye with his wife, Victoria, and two of their children(Image: Life with the Byes Instagram)

Taking to Instagram on their family’s Instagram account, Victoria praised James as he headed out on his first theatre tour ‘in years’.

“Honestly, we’re all feeling it. The nerves, the excitement, the exhaustion… (Let’s just say 4 boys, 2 incontinent dogs & solo parenting is no picnic believe me). But for all of us, it’s the start of something new (but also old, in the best way). After over a decade of being ‘that bloke off the tell’, he’s back to treading the boards — and loving it.

“And you know me, I’m not one for soppy posts (honest ) – but well, me and the boys are really proud of him. Proud of the way he’s embraced change. Proud of the work he’s doing. Proud of how much joy he’s getting from it.

“It’s been a big shift. New rhythms, new routines, and a whole lot of remembering how to pack a suitcase without just stuffing it with snacks and wires for the kids. But he’s thrown himself into it completely, and watching him reconnect with something he’s always loved has been kind of wonderful.”

Victoria continued: “So here’s to new chapters, big leaps, backstage nerves and a whole host of amazing theatres (Windsor, you’re up first – because nothing says murder mystery like those dramatic castle views).

“And to James & all the lovely cast & crew… Break a leg tonight. You’ve all worked so hard… Me and the boys will be cheering you on from home (with snacks for them & wine for me – everyone’s a winner).

“Ps. The show (if I haven’t banged on enough about it already) is Death Comes to Pemberley – a juicy murder mystery set in the world of Pride and Prejudice (Think Mr Darcy with a dark twist? Yes please.) And if you fancy a night of murder, mayhem and a bit of period drama, get nabbing yourself a ticket now.”

Replying to the post from his own account, James said his success is ‘all down’ to Victoria and their sons.

“Without your constant love and support I just simply couldn’t do it! Love you all so much,” he stated.