The heart of Walford has lost one of its most loyal sons. In a 40th anniversary episode that will forever echo through EastEnders history, Martin Fowler met his fate in the most gut-wrenching, heroic way imaginable—trapped beneath the rubble of the Queen Vic after an explosion tore through the pub. Fans who’ve watched him grow from a streetwise market trader into a devoted father and tortured romantic witnessed a final act of selfless love that left them in tears.

Martin’s last stand wasn’t about glory or bravado—it was about love. His ex-wife Stacey Slater, the woman who’s always held a piece of his heart, was caught in the chaos. And Martin, true to his core, went back for her. With flames closing in and steel crashing around them, he risked everything to make sure she got out alive. But fate, as ever, had other plans.

Pinned beneath a fallen beam, his strength ebbing away, Martin made one final gesture—one final plea from the depths of his soul. With barely a whisper, he proposed to Stacey, asking for the second chance they were never given. It was raw. It was devastating. And it was the ultimate heartbreak. Before help could reach him, Martin slipped away, leaving Stacey—and the nation—shattered.

Her scream as his lifeless body was pulled from the wreckage will haunt Walford for a long time to come.

Yet as Martin Fowler’s story ends in tragedy, the man behind the role, James Bye, is just beginning an entirely new act—this time on the stage and in a waistcoat, far removed from the soot-stained streets of Albert Square.

Just days after his onscreen death, James shocked fans again—this time, with his suave, red-carpet transformation at the Thunderbolt premiere. Gone was the scruffy Martin we knew; in his place stood a poised leading man, ready to step into the polished boots of Mr. Darcy in the stage adaptation of Death Comes to Pemberley. The brooding romantic of Austen lore, reimagined with a murderous twist? It’s a role few would’ve expected—but one James seems destined to play.

And he’s not just relying on theatrical prestige to carry him forward. James has joined the roster of stars on Cameo, where his fans can now connect with him one-on-one—for a price. Whether it’s birthday wishes, relationship advice, or a cheeky “hello,” James is offering tailored video messages starting at £51. For businesses looking to cash in on his popularity? That’ll cost nearly £1,800. A clever move from a star riding the wave of his most talked-about storyline yet.

Insiders say the timing was deliberate. James launched his Cameo page just as Martin’s death aired, and demand hasn’t stopped since. With floods of requests from grieving fans who aren’t ready to let go, it’s clear that James’s portrayal of Martin left an indelible mark.

But while James prepares for curtain calls and fan shoutouts, back in Walford, Martin’s death is set to ripple through the Square in earth-shaking ways.

Stacey is gutted. The man who died to save her also died with her name on his lips and a ring in his hand. Will guilt consume her? Or will this unspoken proposal become the emotional anchor that drives her forward? Her grief is expected to become a major thread, and Lacey Turner’s next chapters as Stacey are already generating buzz as some of the most emotionally charged performances to come.

Martin’s family, too, will feel the loss deeply. Characters like Sonia, Lily, and even Whitney, who’ve shared decades of memories with him, now face the grim reality of life without him. His kids, especially, are expected to struggle with the permanence of his absence—and that’s something EastEnders is likely to explore with its signature blend of realism and heartbreak.

And yet, as dark as this moment is, there may also be hope. Martin’s death could be the catalyst for reconciliation and reckoning. Perhaps old wounds will begin to heal. Perhaps some relationships will bloom from shared grief. Or perhaps Stacey, scarred but surviving, will be forced to rebuild not just her family—but herself.

What’s certain is this: Martin didn’t die a victim. He died a hero.

And James Bye? He isn’t just stepping into Darcy’s shadow—he’s rewriting what it means to be a soap star post-soap. From East End grit to regency wit, he’s proving that a powerful farewell can also be the grandest of beginnings.

So while Walford mourns a man who gave everything for love, audiences everywhere can look forward to seeing James Bye continue to command the stage, the screen, and the spotlight—with the same sincerity and strength that made Martin Fowler unforgettable.