LACEY Turner has paid an emotional tribute to her best mate James Bye after his devastating exit from EastEnders.
Viewers watched in horror as Martin Fowler (Bye) was crushed to death by a beam while professing his love for ex-wife Stacey Slater (Turner).
James and Lacey stole the show in the big EastEnders live special[/caption]
James’s next steps after EastEnders have been revealed[/caption]
The tear-jerking live special for the soap’s 40th anniversary has been the most talked about telly moment of the year so far and both stars have been showered with plaudits.
Now, days on, Lacey has spoken about her admiration for her longstanding co-star.
She wrote on Instagram tonight: “There are no words to describe how I feel! Thank you for holding my hand not only throughout the crazy, terrifying, amazing, heartbreaking experience of the live ep but for holding it for the last 10 years!
“On and off screen! my best mate, a proper partner in crime! We laughed everyday from the very beginning until the very end and for that I will be forever grateful!
“Here’s to you @jimmybye! You are one of a kind mate! thank you for Martin fowler what a bloke!”
James, 41, isn’t resting for long following his soap exit after a decade on the Square.
His new job has already been revealed. He will play iconic Jane Austen hero Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley.
Speaking about the role, James said: “I am leaving EastEnders on an absolute high after the explosive live 40th anniversary episode.
“After a decade of gritty storylines it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
Written by P.D. James, the 2011 novel is a murder-mystery continuation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
This play was adapted by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, while it is directed by Joe Harmston.
It also includes Endeavour star Sean Rigby as Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Viewers watched as Martin died heroically following an explosion that tore through the Queen Vic.
The fruit-and-veg stall holder stayed behind to rescue his ex Stacey.
As the two made their exit, a steel beam fell and crushed Martin’s legs.
Much of the live episode focused on paramedics’ attempts to help the legacy character.
Despite administering morphine, it soon became clear that Martin’s injuries were catastrophic.
As he lay trapped, he used his final moments to propose to Stacey, declaring his love for her.
When the emergency services began to lift the beam, Martin succumbed to his injuries, leaving Stacey screaming in anguish.
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.
It has been revealed that some of Martin’s family will return to Walford for his funeral.
Namely, his daughter Bex (Jasmine Armfield) and niece Vicki (who is now played by Alice Haig).
Vicki will be accompanied by her boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his son Joel (Max Murray).
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
Jasmine Armfield reprises her role as Bex for Martin’s funeral[/caption]
