BBC One soap EastEnders viewers are convinced that a new romance is on the horizon for Ruby Allen and Zack Hudson in the wake of Martin Fowler’s tragic death
EastEnders has depicted the sorrowful aftermath of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) sudden and tragic death, as the news begins to impact his loved ones and all of Walford. In Monday’s episode (February 24), Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) was recuperating in hospital after giving birth to baby Julia, but had to inform her and Martin’s daughter Bex (Jasmine Armfield) about her father’s passing.
Upon returning home, Sonia received a visit from Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who encouraged her not to distance herself from her newborn due to her grief, leading Sonia to offer Linda and her family a place to stay following the destruction of The Queen Vic.
Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was also receiving medical attention after the pub explosion and confessed to Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) that she couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing the man she considered a brother again.
EastEnders’ Ruby Allen is heartbroken following the death of Martin Fowler (Image: BBC)
Sharon also shared that Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) had contacted Martin’s grieving sister Michelle (Susan Tully, Jenna Russell) to relay the tragic news.
Back in the Square, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was devastated by Martin’s loss, revealing to her mother Jean (Gillian Wright) that before his death, she and Martin had reconciled and he had even proposed to her.
Meanwhile, Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) is struggling to accept the loss of her partner and the father of their young son Roman, unaware that Martin spent his last moments making amends with his ex-wife Stacey.
Viewers were left distraught as Ruby was left to process her grief over Martin’s death alone. Despite her feelings of isolation, Zack Hudson was there to offer a listening ear and a comforting hug, reports Plymouth Live.
However, some fans of the show now speculate that this emotional exchange may blossom into a romance between the two characters.
On X, one fan expressed their hopes that this wouldn’t be the case, saying: “I hope they don’t get Zack and Ruby together #Eastenders #EastEnders40.”
EastEnders’ Zack and Ruby hug as they grieve the loss of Martin Fowler (Image: BBC)
Others shared their theories, stating that a potential relationship could stem from a moment of weakness: “Zack and Ruby will grief sleep together before she leaves. #EastEnders”.
Some fans showed exasperation, stating: “Oh ffs I bet Ruby and Zack get together.”
Others were apprehensive about the potential pairing, saying: “Don’t tell me Zack and ruby are gonna sleep together #EastEnders #EastEnders40”, and another fan predicted: “I’m convinced Ruby and Zack are getting together this week #EastEnders.”
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
