EastEnders’ James Bye recalls his ‘choking sobs’ while filming emotional last scene and reveals the crew’s ‘weird request’ after being killed off

James Bye recalled his ‘choking sobs’ as he filmed his emotional last scene as Martin Fowler on EastEnders and has revealed ‘weird request’ made by the crew. 

The beloved character was tragically killed off during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary live episode, having been crushed by a steel beam while rescuing his longtime love Stacey Slater after an explosion at the Queen Vic.

Speaking on Friday, ahead of his character’s funeral, James explained how they had rehearsed the scene so ‘nothing could go wrong’ for the live show, but he still felt his heart beat through his chest with adrenaline. 

The actor told The Mirror: ‘At the final rehearsal, I lost it. When Stacey walked away to talk to the paramedic, it was like an out-of-body experience. 

‘She came back and I had tears pouring down my face. When I spoke again, I didn’t think anyone would be able to understand what I was saying through my choking sobs.’ 

Admitting that he won’t watch his own cremation, which was filmed last month, he also revealed the strange request made by the crew. 

James Bye recalled his ‘choking sobs’ as he filmed his emotional last scene as Martin Fowler on EastEnders and has revealed ‘weird request’ made by the crew (pictured with Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater)

The beloved character was tragically killed off during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary live episode having been crushed by a steel beam following an explosion at the Queen Vic

James added: ‘If I’m honest, I’d find it a bit weird. The art department were asking for pictures of me to put in the order of service. But I said no. I don’t want real photographs of me at my funeral, with my real family cut out.’ 

After being the first ever baby to be born on the show, Martin was tragically killed following an explosion at the Queen Vic.

Following his heroic attempt to rescue his longtime love Stacey Slater, he was crushed by a falling beam.

At first, it appeared that Martin had been successfully rescued from underneath the beam, but his heart then stopped as firefighters rushed to try and save him.

His ex-wife Stacey was left in floods of tears as Martin died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed.

The heartbreaking episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin’s lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic for news. 

Viewers were quick to take to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their devastation and shock over Martin’s death as they admitted they were in mourning.

Martin first arrived in Walford on July 30, 1985, and was first played by Jon Peyton-Price and then James Alexandrou, before James Bye took on the role in 2014.

Speaking on Friday, James explained how they had rehearsed the scene so ‘nothing could go wrong’ for the live show, but he still felt his heart beat through his chest with adrenaline

The actor told The Mirror: ‘At the final rehearsal, I lost it. When Stacey walked away to talk to the paramedic, it was like an out-of-body experience. I had tears pouring down my face’ 

During his 10 years on the soap opera, James has been at the centre of some of EastEnders’ biggest storylines and shared some poignant words upon his exit.

He said: ‘Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. 

‘It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. 

‘This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.’

Meanwhile, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: ‘It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years. 

‘James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers. 

‘When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved. 

‘To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history. 

‘I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.’