EastEnders fans were glued to the edge of their seats for the live special episode which featured the tragic death of a fan favourite, but they couldn’t help but notice a big error
EastEnders fans were wowed by the anniversary live show which pulled out all the stops, but there was one detail around Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) medical treatment which ruined the magic for some fans along with other blunders.
Viewers watched in horror as the show said farewell to one of the longest running characters, who tragically died with ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) by his side, and fans have praised her performance. Martin had become trapped in the Queen Vic after Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) attempted to escape in his car, but smashed into the pub after he narrowly avoided running Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) over.
Thanks to several gas canisters, the Queen Vic exploded, trapping people inside after Billy and Honey Mitchell’s wedding. Martin was inside, but rather than leaving with his partner Ruby Allen (Louise Lytton) he made the decision to stay inside to help Stacey escape.
He managed to find a way out for them both, but Stacey refused to go until they talked about their feelings for one another. The delay proved fatal, with a huge metal beam crashing from the ceiling and crushing Martin’s legs, trapping him.
Fans were distracted by an error featuring Martin(Image: BBC)
Emergency services arrived to help him, and Martin and Stacey rekindled their love with Martin proposing, but he sadly died. Fans couldn’t focus on the romance though due to an error in the medical scenes.
He was suffering from crushed syndrome which caused his kidneys to fail, leading to cardiac arrest. Eagle-eyed fans noticed something was amiss when paramedics attached a portable ECG machine.
His heart rate remained stable at 98 beats per minute, and it ruined the moment for many fans, who raged on social media. One fan fumed: “The heart monitor Martin was hooked up to, the numbers never changed and the lines showing the heart rate didn’t move – was clearly a static image.”
Viewers spotted a glaring error as Martin was being treated(Image: BBC)
Another added: “Honestly, with that Blood Pressure reading, he should already be dead #EELive #Eastenders.” One viewer ranted: “Oh come on that monitor hasn’t changed once ! Martins got the most stable heart rate.”
This unimpressed viewer complained: “The fake ECG monitor with Martin is getting on my nerves. His heart rate would be through the roof, not 98. #eelive.”
One asked: “Did anyone notice a blunder on Eastenders tonight? There was one if you want to get real nitpicky over it but Martin’s ECG monitor thingy not fluctuating.
It was a sad farewell for EastEnders fans(Image: BBC)
“The stats stayed the same! Other than that it was a really good live, outstanding performances from everyone!” “Martin’s heart monitor isn’t even working #EastEnders,” commented another.
Fans praised the show though despite the error, and James, who played Martin, talked about his exit from the show: “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
He added: “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.”
