EastEnders fans have predicted trouble ahead for fan favourite Martin Fowler ahead of the big 40th anniversary, in the hands of partner Ruby Allen. It’s been a tough time for Martin lately, who was at the risk of losing his livelihood after the market stalls were at threat of redevelopment. After Ruby’s blackmail scheme, and Councillor Baker ‘sabotaging’ the stall with rat droppings, Honey and Stacey decided to ‘play dirty’ and Martin got his job back.

In all their happiness, a drunk Stacey expressed how Martin was ‘one of her favourite people’ as he kissed her on the cheek with Ruby lurking in the background. In Thursday night’s episode, Ruby confronted Martin about the kiss on the cheek, in which he told her it meant nothing. “Stacey’s a mate, she was helping me out,” he said before walking out. Later on in the episode, Ruby overheard a conversation between Ian and Martin, who seemed upset to be working “at another man’s fruit and veg stall.” Later on, Ruby was seen visiting Ian asking for a proposition, before arriving at the Vic with him, asking for champagne.

Ian then told a confused Martin he doesn’t own the stall anymore, as Ruby revealed she sold the bracelet her dad got her to buy the stall for Martin. The pair looked happier than ever as they shared a kiss, but fans think there’s more behind Ruby’s motive, as she plans to 'screw over' Martin. “Ruby is gonna screw Martin over now she's bought that stall for him isn't she? #EastEnders” questioned one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another wrote: "Does anyone else get the feeling that Ruby bought the stall so Martin can’t leave her now?!".

Others were certain Martin would pick Stacey over Ruby, causing trouble for Martin: “Ruby needs to forget about Martin long as Stacey about.” A third agreed: “Martin is head over heels for Stacey.”. Others are convinced that Martin will be the victim of a ‘40th anniversary shooting’ after Phil’s gun was seen on Wednesday’s episode. “WAIT! I’m wrong. It’s blatantly MARTIN who gets shot! Look at all the foreshadowing?” one fan said, referencing Honey ordering shots of Death Throes.

Elsewhere in the episode, Cindy is still on a mission to find out who attacked her and ‘left her for dead’ on Christmas Day. Although she was convinced it was one of the Knights, a conversation with Junior had her looking towards the Beales. It seems no one was safe as she went towards Ian, Lauren, Peter and Kathy. At the end of the episode she was heard telling Junior it was Kathy who attacked her - but is she right?.