EastEnders star James Bye's wife Victoria was 'so blooming proud' as she discussed his dramatic exit from the soap before taking fans on a behind-the-scenes tour. Martin - who had been played by James, 40, since 2014 - died in the live episode of the BBC show as part of EastEnders ' 40th anniversary week. He had become trapped under a metal beam following an explosion at the Queen Vic after Reiss Colwell crashed his car into the pub.
He had swerved to avoid crashing into Ian Beale, who had been pushed into the road by wife Cindy Beale. While Martin helped many get out, he found himself stuck under a long metal beam as Stacey watched on in horror. After James' time on the show came to an end, his wife took to her page to share an emotional post praising him.
She said in the caption: "Where to begin, what to say? You know I love a good waffle but to sum up 10 years on Eastenders in just a few words seems an impossible task. Because it’s been everything & more. Life changing in every way you could imagine. I remember so clearly the week before he got the role. We were living up north & we went for a walk, pushing our first baby in his pram as we talked. Wondering what the future would hold. Wondering if things would change….
"We had no idea. To be a part of a show that the nation has grown up with, to play a character that people were going to take to their hearts, to grow both on & off screen into the family man we all know & love, surrounded by children (wild wife & all…) It’s been a lot & we wouldn’t have had it any other way. A rollercoaster of ‘duff duffs’. Friendships, laughter & tears… (ooh Martin did love a good cry) We’ll take them with us always. What a wonderful thing to have been a part of… We’ve been so lucky.".
She went on to praise his 'incredible' performance on the live episode. Victoria continued: "What you’ve shown your boys you can do when you put your heart & soul into something is something they’ll never forget. You were a professional to the end. Smiling through yours tears. Taking your final bow. And we’re all just so bloomin’ proud.".
She then thanked all his fans and supporters as she told followers, 'See you later'. In the video, Victoria sat in his dressing room 'bricking it' while he prepared for the episode. "After tonight, he will be no more," Victoria told the camera before adding James was 'excited' for the night.
James' wife gave fans a quick glimpse of his dressing room, which included his character's shoes, clothes as well as his many scripts. In the next clip, she made her way to the set through the rows of trailers. Once she met up with everyone, she wished them luck as they made their way to the set to film the final scenes.
Much to the delight of fans, Victoria included the actual scenes where James played out Martin's demise. As Stacey sobbed over him, a director was heard yelling: "All clear! You were all incredible, thank you," as everyone on set clapped for the actors. After James changed out his character's final outfit, he revealed they were all heading to the pub to have 'one drink followed by 10 or 11.".
"Thank you everyone who supported the guy in the show," James said. "It's been emotional to say the least.". Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads. Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter.
