EastEnders fans have unveiled some grizzly clues that seem to suggest the legendary Martin Fowler (James Bye) could be killed off in the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations. Martin was the first baby born in the BBC soap in July 1985, with his mother Pauline (Wendy Richard) discussing her pregnancy with Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) in the very first episode. Their conversation is quickly interrupted by landlord Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), who barges into the surgery to use the telephone – neighbour Reg Cox was unconscious in his flat.

With the character’s history deep-rooted into EastEnders’ fabric, it’s only right that he plays a central part in the show’s big birthday bash. Over recent months, Martin has been working tirelessly to save the Bridge Street Market from closure, and navigating a new life after discovering his ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) gave birth to their son two years ago. Earlier this week, following Ruby’s botched scheme to blackmail the councillor responsible for approving the redevelopment, the Fowler/Beale fruit and veg stall was shut down on health and safety grounds.

To Martin’s horror, Councillor Barker had planted rat droppings underneath it. As he looked around the Square, he wondered what he had really achieved in life. Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) launched one final attempt to save his livelihood, and surprisingly their efforts were successful. Martin was delighted, and joined in Shrimpy’s (Ben Champniss) party to herald in a new era for the traders.

However, eagle-eyed viewers have spotted some potential foreshadowing that could lead to a devastating end for him. Honey mentioned that Shrimpy had ordered a round of shots known as ‘Death Throes’, whilst Martin was cradling a plush toy of a duck that he’d won on Stratford arcades. Fans have suggested that this could be a subtle hint at him becoming a ‘sitting duck’ – an obvious and easy target for an enemy to shoot or attack.

Rach wrote on X: ‘Everyone cheers-ing Martin with shots that have the word ‘death’ in their name doesn’t fill me with confidence for his anniversary-based safety btw.’. Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:. Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.

The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…. With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.

​​Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations. ‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.

With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week. Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments. Another added: ‘WAIT! I’m wrong. It’s blatantly MARTIN who gets shot! Look at all the foreshadowing? (Last picture “a sitting duck”)….

‘But he’ll live (coz it’s EE’s OG baby Martin) and this is how we get Sue Tully’s OG Michelle back in town for the 40th!!!’. Speaking of shootings, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) eyed up Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) gun in last night’s episode. Trying to track down the assailant who whacked her with a snow shovel on Christmas Day is becoming increasingly frustrating and complex, so she turned to the Walford hard man with a request to borrow his weapon.

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