Martin Fowler (James Bye) was left stunned by a surprise gesture from girlfriend Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) in Thursday’s EastEnders – but it did little to quell his simmering feelings for ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). The trio have been caught in a complicated love triangle since Ruby’s return to the Square last year. While Martin has put aside his obvious spark with Stacey to reunite with his other ex-wife Ruby, it hasn’t stopped the former couple from sharing charged moments – one of which Ruby witnessed on Wednesday.

During the latest visit to Walford, Ruby was feeling insecure about Martin’s connection to Stacey, questioning him as to why he had not told her about his market stall being saved from closure. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. She then bumped into Stacey in the café and quizzed her about her rival’s moment with Martin outside The Albert the previous night. While Stacey insisted it was nothing for her to worry about, she pointed out that maybe she does not trust Martin.

Meanwhile, Martin caught up with his uncle Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), who owns his stall and apologised for previously dismissing Martin’s strife over its closure. Ian noted how Martin’s parents would be proud he’s still on the patch, but he lamented how he wasn’t ‘a success story’ given how he doesn’t own the stall, lodges in someone else’s house and has ‘an ex-wife he can’t stop arguing with’.

Ruby overheard his comments, and in a bid to boost his confidence, she went to Ian with a proposal. Later, she revealed to Martin in The Vic that she’d convinced Ian to sell the stall to him, with Ruby using a pawned bracelet from her late father Johnny Allen to pay for it. Martin was taken aback by the news and shared a kiss with Ruby – but as Ian later remarked that he was onto a keeper with Ruby, Martin’s eyes were firmly locked across the pub on Stacey.

With his heart torn in two, who will Martin choose to be with?. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms another major Cindy twist as new prime suspect emerges.