EastEnders fans have slammed the show's producers, calling their decision to kill off Martin Fowler "cruel" and "heartless," as history repeated itself in a heartbreaking live episode. Martin, portrayed by actor James Bye, suffered a traumatic death during the dramatic live episode after a decade portraying the character on the BBC soap. The market trader was brutally killed off in heartbreaking scenes on Thursday night as the beloved Queen Vic collapsed during a fire. He vowed to stay in the building to save Stacey Slater, however, a metal beam crashed down and crushed his legs. Martin waited for paramedics with Stacey by his side as he poured his heart out to her – declaring that he loved Stacey not planned to end things with Ruby Allen.
Fans were furious following Martin Fowler’s tragic death on EastEnders, with many feeling the show’s producers had been too harsh on Stacey. Viewers took to Twitter to express their outrage, particularly over the emotional toll of losing two of her true loves during live episodes. With Bradley Branning’s death occurring 15 years ago on the same week, fans felt it was cruel to put Stacey through such repeated heartbreak, questioning why the writers would subject her to more pain after everything she’s already endured.
One user wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "I never thought I’d be so sad about a character dying in EastEnders, I never saw this coming. This was just cruel." Whilst another invested viewer added: "15 years since Stacey lost the last love of her life Bradley Branning now she's lost the 2nd man she truly loved Martin Fowler. This show is so cruel - now we'll never see Stacey & Martin get married.".
A third echoed: "They did it again to ar Stacey, first Bradley now Martin." And a fourth wrote: "Killing off Martin Fowler 10 years later to the day when Bradley died is shocking." A fifth added: "Bradley Branning and Martin Fowler were Stacey’s true loves, and to kill them both off on the same date is nasty nasty work.".
James gave the performance of his life in the live show as he bid farewell to his character. He took on the role of Martin in 2014 as he replaced actor James Alexandrou. The role was originally played by Jon Peyton-Price, with Martin being born on the show in the soap's first year on air – 40 years ago.
While Martin's life came to an emotional end, many fans did suspect his fate was sealed for a while after a number of clues and nods to the past. Stacey refused to leave his side until they discussed their feelings for each other with Martin eventually admitting he loved his ex-wife and not his current partner Ruby Allen.
Martin even asked Stacey to marry him again, yet paramedics issued the devastating truth that he was at risk of crush syndrome, that could cause kidney issues and a cardiac arrest so to prepare herself. He died in Stacey's arms, as her cries were heard by the Walford residents gathered outside – including Ruby, who fell to hear knees as she realised what had happened.
After the live episode finished, James revealed why the decision to kill off Martin was made and admitted it "felt right" to go. He said: "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.
"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." Show boss Chris Clenshaw also explained the decision as he said: "It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years. James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers.
"When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved. To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history. I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.".
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