EASTENDERS legend Patsy Palmer has broken her silence on Martin’s death as she paid tribute to actor James Bye saying ‘you’ll be missed so much’.
The BBC soap marked its 40th anniversary with a jaw-dropping live broadcast yesterday, which saw Martin lose his life in the destruction at the Queen Vic.
EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer has broken her silence on Martin’s death[/caption]
She paid tribute to actor James Bye saying ‘you’ll be missed so much’[/caption]
Taking to Instagram afterwards, Patsy, 52, who plays Bianca Jackson, shared a grab from the installment, with a subtitle reading: “It’s only a nunny!”
The comedic line had come from Natalie Cassidy’s Sonia Fowler, who was giving birth within the derelict.
Heaping praise on James Bye, 40, for his performance, she wrote in her caption: “I can honestly say hand on heart that I loved every second of tonight.
“Doing a live episode of Eastenders again after so many years was spectacular. I loved how we had the comedy too amongst so much heartbreak. It was a beautiful mix of emotions.
“@jimmybye I just want to say you will be missed so much by everyone but you will go on to be the leading man that you deserve to be.
“Your performance was amazing tonight and just gorgeous for all the years as Martin Fowler.
“As for the rest of you and you all know who you are I think you are all such a beautiful bunch of actors and friends .
“Teamwork is always dreamwork and it certainly felt like a dream.
“@bbceastenders Thanks for including me in this journey, very honored. Congratulations to the writer and to @lancekneeshaw for directing.”
Martin died in ex-wife Stacey Slater’s arms in the closing seconds of the episode.
He had been crushed under a falling steel beam after rescuing Stacey from the wreckage of an explosion in the Queen Vic pub.
In heartbreaking scenes, he proposed and planned the next 40 years of their lives before the paramedics told Stacey that he would likely not survive his injuries.
Speaking on his dramatic exit, James 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.”
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.”
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.
She shared a grab from the live installment, with a subtitle reading: “It’s only a nunny!”[/caption]
Martin was crushed while trying to save Stacey Slater[/caption]
