EASTENDERS star James Bye has admitted his wife wasn’t thrilled by the bombshell that his character was being killed off.
James, 41, revealed Victoria’s reaction to the news while discussing his shock exit from the BBC One soap.
The actor, who had played Martin Fowler for 11 years, has also told how he made one demand to EastEnders bosses when they revealed he was being written out.
James’ character was killed last week in a special live episode, which was aired to mark EastEnders’ 40th anniversary.
Martin died after a huge steel beam landed on him following an explosion at the Queen Vic pub.
Heartbroken fans were left devastated by his shock death, which came after he confessed to Stacey – played by Lacey Turner – he was in love with her.
In an interview on The One Show, James revealed he made one request to EastEnders bosses after being told what was going to happen.
He also admitted his wife Victoria didn’t take the news well either, too.
James told BBC hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: “I was sworn to keep it completely secret.
“Obviously the people who were involved in the storyline, they were told not long after I was.
“In fact I told the exec producer, ‘You have to let me tell Lacey. Everyone else you can tell’. And that was the most difficult conversation.
“Other than telling my wife. She wasn’t over the moon with it to be fair!”
James described Lacey as his “best friend” and admitted they held hands the entire way through the live episode last Thursday.
“I can definitely say I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. 100 per cent. Teamwork,” he said.
James added: “It has been a really emotional couple of months. Joy and tears and stuff because [me and Lacey] have worked together a lot.
“But to do it on an episode like that is such a special night and I will never forget it
“I’ll probably never get the chance to do something like that ever again so I will never forget that.”
James said his mind had been “blown” by the reaction from fans.
Meanwhile, earlier today James revealed his next job following his exit from EastEnders.
FORMER Virgin Media star Greg O’Shea has opened up on his decision to step away from the Six O’Clock Show.
The Love Island winner started hosting the evening show back in November 2022 with popular TV veteran Karen Koster.
But in early November 2023 the pair announced separately they would be departing the show before its January 2024 return.
The duo were replaced by Brian Dowling and Katja Mia, who recently celebrated the show’s 10th anniversary.
Speaking to RSVP about his decision to leave the show, he said: “I needed to get past the ceiling and through that limit to experience more work out there.
“It would be great if I was later in my career and I had a family, so I needed to be in Dublin and needed that constant income. But now it is just me and my partner in my life and I want to experience new things.”
He added: “Maybe when I settle down in a few years I could put my hand up and see about hosting a show in Ireland.
“Right now, I am testing the waters to see where I want to go with my next chapter.”
Reflecting on his year spent hosting, Greg revealed he still misses aspects of the show, including his former co-host.
He said: “I got so used to being on the show with Karen Koster, who became like a big sister to me. I saw her every day, five days a week.
“I miss her, the make up team and the backroom staff. I made some really good friends like Chef Adrian and psychotherapist Padraig Walsh.”
When Greg confirmed his decision to leave the show, he did so on air with stand-in co-host, Grainne Seoige.
Speaking on air at the time, he explained: “I think it’s the perfect time for The Six O’Clock Show to mix things up and try something new.
“I think it’s the perfect time for The Six O’Clock Show to mix things up and try something new.
“I’ve learned so much over the last year from yourself Grainne, from Karen and other people I have presented beside.
“Incredible people and the team behind The Six O’Clock Show are honestly so talented and I love them all.
“They have really helped me to start from a complete beginner to where I am now – a novice.
“I’m definitely going to miss it but, you know what, it’s been a great year and everything good has to come to an end.
“I can’t wait to see where the show goes, I’m going to be a fan and Karen and I will be with you next week Monday and Tuesday and then we will be passing the baton on to the new team.”
