James Bye's next move after leaving BBC show EastEnders behind has now been announced and he's going from soap to stage following Martin Fowler's dramatic death

Now played by Alice Haig, Vicki Fowler, who was last seen on-screen in 2004, is set to make an appearance to attend the funeral of her uncle Martin together with her boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and their son Joel (Max Murray). "I am so excited," Haig said of her EastEnders debut.

Actor Jasmine Armfield will reprise her role as Bex for a short stint five years after leaving EastEnders in 2020.

EASTENDERS fans cannot stop crying at the emotional aftermath of Martin Fowler’s death in today’s episode of the soap. The fruit and veg flogger – who was played by actor Jame Bye in the BBC

James Bye’s new role has been confirmed, days on from his EastEnders exit. The actor’s final scenes as Martin Fowler aired last Thursday, when the character died following the Queen Vic explosion. The beloved face was trapped under a beam that he had realised was falling from the ceiling.

EastEnders fans are in shock after one of the show's most iconic characters died in tonight's live episode. Martin Fowler - who was the first baby to be born in the show - died after proposing to Stacey Slater. Viewers watched in horror while paramedics fought to save Martin who had been crushed by a metal beam.

Former Martin Fowler actor James Alexandrou has broken his silence after the iconic EastEnders character was killed off on the BBC One soap during the 40th anniversary live death

James Alexandrou, who played Martin Fowler before James Bye in EastEnders, has reacted to the character’s traumatic death. James portrayed the beloved character in the BBC One soap from 1996-2007. In 2014, Martin returned to Walford, but James Bye had taken over the role.

EastEnders viewers have been left heartbroken after Martin Fowler died in the 40th anniversary live episode - and fans are convinced they know who Stacey's next love interest will be.

EastEnders has confirmed that Bex Fowler will be making a return to Albert Square following the death of her father Martin, with actress Jasmine Armfield reprising her role

Hot on the heels of the news that Vicki Fowler will return to EastEnders for Martin’s (James Bye) funeral, it has been confirmed that his daughter Bex will also be in attendance to say an emotional goodbye.