EastEnders Martin Fowler star's life as James Bye breaks silence on ...

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EastEnders Martin Fowler stars life as James Bye breaks silence on

James Bye has been a familiar face on our screens for years, starring in EastEnders as Martin Fowler, but away from the BBC soap, he leads a very different life with his wife and four children

EastEnders legend Martin Fowler has been killed off after 40 years.

Actor James Bye played the popular character since 2014 but during Thursday's (February 20) live episode to mark the soap's 40th anniversary, Martin had his legs crushed by a steel beam moments after confessing his love to his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Large portions of the live special focused on the rescue crew's attempts to lift the beam off of him, with Stacey sitting by his side through the ordeal. Sadly, the medics attempting to help Martin informed Stacey that he was likely to suffer from Crush syndrome and the toxins as a result of his legs being crushed would lead to kidney failure or a cardiac arrest when the beam was lifted.

Speaking about his exit, James said: "Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the show's epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. It's an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude."

EastEnders legend Martin Fowler has been killed off after 40 years (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

"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."

James has become a household name with his portrayal of Martin in the iconic BBC soap EastEnders. Since taking over the role in 2014, when Martin returned to Albert Square after a seven-year hiatus, he has been at the centre of various dramatic storylines.

James Bye played the popular character since 2014 (Image: BBC/Firebird/Natalie Seery)

The character of Martin has a rich history on the show, first introduced in 1985. Before James stepped into Martin's shoes, actors Joe Peyton Price (from 1985 to 1996) and later James Alexandrou, who became well-known for the role due to pivotal plots including underage pregnancy and imprisonment, had played the role. When James Alexandrou decided to exit the show in 2007, he was later offered the chance to return but declined.

James then secured the part following a casting call, making his first appearance as Martin in 2014. Celebrating a milestone, James took to his social media to express his gratitude, posting: "What a journey... Huge love to those of you who've messaged me on my anniversary today! It means so much. Truly..." He signed off warmly with, "Big love to you all... From your favourite fruit and veg man."

Martin had his legs crushed by a steel beam moments after confessing his love to his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/Matt Burlem)

James leads a happy family life with his wife and children, maintaining a loving marriage alongside his acting career. In stark contrast to his character Martin tumultuous love life in Walford, actor James leads a more tranquil and contented family life.

He has been happily married to his wife Victoria for over a decade. The couple first crossed paths in a Sainsbury's car park 16 years ago when Bye was working on a promotional job and "handed Victoria a fruit jelly", as reported by What to Watch. This charming act led to an invitation to a local pub, marking the start of their blossoming romance.

James and wife Victoria have four children (Image: Instagram/jimmybye)

The pair currently reside in Buckinghamshire with their energetic sons Edward, Louis, Hugo and their youngest, Rufus. In January 2023, they celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in the picturesque setting of St Lucia.

They captured the moment against a breathtaking sunset backdrop and shared the heartfelt photo on their family Instagram account with the touching caption: "Happy 1 year anniversary to us.... (again)."

Victoria manages an Instagram blog named Life With The Byes, offering fans a glimpse into their daily life as a family of five. Victoria once revealed the reality of raising children with their father in the public eye.

She wrote: "We finally settled in beautiful Bucks and the boys have grown up surrounded by countryside in our messy, noisy home and we've tried our best to keep things normal in the happy (and sometimes hectic) life we have. But it's still a worry."

Davood Ghadami and James have a real-life Bromance (Image: (Image: BBC))

"When Louis comes home from school and anxiously asks me what 'famous' is. Or when Hugo thinks it's normal that everyone takes selfies with his dad."

Despite the trials of showbiz, James shares a wonderful connection with his on-screen ex-wife and real-life friend, Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater.

The pair's bond extends off-screen, as James felt moved to have Lacey become a permanent part of his family by being Godmother to his third child, Hugo. He relayed to OK! Magazine: "I took Lacey out for lunch to ask her. I was quite nervous and I was getting choked up asking her."

James is close friends with co-star Lacey Turner away from EastEnders (Image: (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron))

Turner was touched by the gesture, responding, "Bless her, she was really taken aback and said it was an honour."

In another celebration of life, 2019 saw Lacey welcome a daughter named Dusty with her husband Matt Kay, whom she married in 2017, while James' wife Victoria expressed excitement over their kids growing up together due to the close proximity in age.

Continuing the tradition of EastEnders camaraderie, James also invited former colleague Davood Ghadami to take on the role of godfather to his son Hugo.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am