EastEnders character Martin Fowler was killed-off during the live episode and the actor who played him appeared on BBC’s The One Show to talk about it

James Bye, known for his role as Martin Fowler in the popular soap EastEnders, has shared insights into his departure from the show after an 11-year tenure.

The actor, who assumed the celebrated part in 2014, had his character meet a dramatic end on Thursday, February 20 following a catastrophic explosion at The Queen Vic.

The incident at the iconic pub resulted in Martin being fatally injured by a falling metal beam, eventually succumbing to cardiac arrest just after reuniting romantically with his former wife Stacey Slater.

James made an appearance on The One Show on Monday (February 24) where he talked about his last plea to the BBC executives before Martin’s tragic demise was aired.

The soap star detailed how he fought to personally inform Lacey Turner, his co-star and on-screen ex-wife, of his looming exit following the showrunners’ resolution to kill off his character.

During the programme, hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, viewers’ reactions were read about the shocking death of Martin Fowler.

Responding to a comment, Roman posed the question: “I still can’t believe Martin is dead, it will take me another 40 years to get over it. Did you tell anyone he was going to die? Or did you keep it a secret?”

Discussing his final scenes, James revealed: “I was sworn to keep it a secret. Obviously the people involved in the storyline were told not long after I was.”

EastEnders’ James Bye wanted to break the news of his exit to co-star Lacey Turner (Image: BBC)

He then added: “In fact, I told the exec producer that, well after he made the decision, that you have to let me tell Lacey. Anyone else you can tell, but that was the most difficult conversation. Other than telling my wife, she wasn’t over the moon with it, to be fair,” reports Plymouth Live.

“But telling Lacey was tough and it has been a really emotional couple of months, Joy and some tears, we have worked together a lot.”

He continued: “But to do it on an episode like that, it’s such a special night. I will never forget it, I will probably never get the chance to do something like that ever again.

“I will never forget that and the response from the audience has blown my mind honestly, it’s so overwhelming.”

Martin Fowler was killed off in devastating scenes aired on Thursday(Image: BBC )

Martin Fowler, who was born on the soap in 1985, met his tragic end during the live episode celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary. After an explosion at the pub, Martin attempted to rescue as many people as possible amidst the collapsing building.

After saving Stacey, he was pinned down by a fallen metal beam. As he awaited medical assistance, he proposed to Stacey, only for her to receive heartbreaking news.

Paramedics warned that Martin could develop Crush syndrome, a potentially lethal condition caused by severe muscle damage. Tragically, Martin died after the beam was removed, with his death announced by haunting screams reverberating around the Square.

EastEnders continues airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer