EastEnders’ Martin Fowler star James Bye’s new job after tragic BBC soap death
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 Pemberley17:56, 24 Feb 2025Updated 17:59, 24 Feb 2025EastEnders: Joe Swash makes his return as Mickey MillerEastEnders 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.”Martin was killed off for the 40th anniversary(Image: More
