EastEnders viewers left ‘traumatised’ after death of major character in 40th anniversary episode

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. One fan joked: “Will be taking compassionate leave from work for at least 10 working days to grieve the dearly departed Martin Fowler.” Another viewer pointed out that Fowler’s death marks the second time Stacey has lost a romantic partner during a live episode, since her ex-boyfriend Bradley Branning died in 2010 during the show’s 25th anniversary episode. One distraught fan added: “I would have preferred a mass cull to losing Martin… They could have killed off 15 characters and I’d have been fine with it.” open image in gallery Martin Fowler trapped underneath a large metal beam after the Queen Vic explosion Another viewer wrote on X/Twitter that they had joined hundreds of people watching the live EastEnders episode on the big screen at Boxpark Wembley, which is where major football matches are usually aired to masses of fans. He was the son of Pauline and Arthur Fowler, and was played by several actors over the past 40 years, with James Bye taking over from James Alexandrou, who had played the character from 1996 to 2007, in 2014. open image in gallery Martin Fowler on ‘EastEnders’ While recasting of characters can always be hit-and-miss on soaps, Bye’s transition into the role was well-received by viewers at the time. It’s hard to be a recast but when I think of Martin Fowler I’ll think of him.” Elsewhere during the live 40th anniversary episode, viewers were left divided over the outcome of a public vote in which Denise was forced to choose between her lovers Jack and Ravi.