EASTENDERS fans have spotted a major clue that James Bye was AXED from the soap – did you see it?
Viewers were devastated when his character Martin Fowler was killed off in the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode.
James, 41, discussed his exit on The One Show with presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.
Fans believed they’d picked up on a hint suggesting James had been axed – rather than choosing to leave.
One wrote on X: “After watching James’ interview I’m even more convinced that he didn’t want to leave EE and that it was entirely the producers’ decision.
“He quickly switched from saying “when I was told” to “when we made the decision.” If it wasn’t his choice I’m even more angry now.”
Another wrote: “it definitely comes across like the decision was made and he was told.
“i’m guessing he’s been instructed to make it seem like a joint decision because that sounds better.”
While a third penned: “Yeah that’s exactly what I took it from it..doesn’t seem like he wanted to leave more like he was told which is very upsetting if it’s the case, another iconic character killed off, it was a bad decision.”
James was asked whether he’d kept Martin’s fate a secret before the live episode went out.
He replied: “I was sworn to keep it completely secret. The people who are involved in the storyline, they were told not long after I was.
“I told the exec producer after he told – after we sort of made the decision – I was like, you have to let me tell Lacey. Everyone else, you can tell.
“That was the most difficult conversation. Other than telling my wife, she wasn’t over the moon with it to be fair.”
EastEnders fans watched as Martin stayed behind in an explosion destroyed Queen Vic to rescue his true love Stacey Slater.
As they went to leave, the fruit-and-veg flogger’s legs were crushed by a falling steel beam.
The live episode saw Martin declare his love for Stacey and he asked her to marry him again.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Paramedic Skinner (Luke Baker) privately told Stacey that Martin had crush syndrome – a life threatening predicament occurring after injury to skeletal muscle.
When paramedics lifted the beam, Martin succumbed to his injuries and passed away, in a distraught Stacey’s arms.
Upcoming scenes will see Martin’s daughter Bex (Jasmine Armfield) and niece Vicki (Alice Haig) return to Walford for his funeral.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
