Martin Fowler star James Bye has joined the cast of a brand new production, taking on the iconic role of Mr Darcy in the new play Death Comes To Pemberley
EastEnders actor James Bye has officially left the soap as his character Martin Fowler was killed off during the 40th anniversary special.
However, James has opened up about his fresh gig post-Walford life as he swaps the drama of Albert Square for the regal elegance of a Jane Austen hero. Fans were left reeling when Martin, played by 40-year-old James since 2014, was killed in a live special episode last week.
The beloved character met a grim fate, squashed under a heavy metal beam following a catastrophic blast at the Queen Vic – all because Reiss Colwell rammed his car into the boozer. He had to dodge Ian Beale, who was chucked on the road by his missus Cindy Beale.
Despite Martin’s heroic attempts to save others, he ended up trapped with Stacey helplessly watching on. But James isn’t fetching for job ads; he’s bagged himself the role of the swoon-worthy Mr Darcy and is heading to the stage in Death Comes To Pemberley, helmed by director Joe Harmston and featuring Endeavour actor Sean Rigby as Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Chatting about his move, James shared: “I am leaving EastEnders on an absolute high after the explosive live 40th anniversary episode. After a decade of gritty storylines it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
James, speaking about his departure from EastEnders, stated last week: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show, EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you, and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years,” reports the Mirror.
He added: “This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.”
Martin, who was born in August 1995 during the soap’s first year of broadcast, initially seemed to survive when the beam was lifted. However, he soon went into cardiac arrest and paramedics were unable to save him.
In other news, Bex Fowler is set to return to EastEnders following her father’s death. Actress Jasmine Armfield will reprise her role after a five-year absence for some “devastating” scenes, as another major return is also anticipated.
After leaving to travel in 2020, Bex will return home to be with her mother Sonia Fowler and other grieving family members.
EastEnders’ head honcho Chris Clenshaw gushed: “We’re delighted to welcome Jasmine home to EastEnders as part of Martin’s farewell. There’s no way that Bex would miss her dad’s funeral, and Sonia needs her eldest daughter more than ever. It’s been five years in which Bex has gone out into the world, so she’ll come back with renewed wisdom and experience.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
