James Bye and Lacey Turner took centre stage for EastEnders’ live episode, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, which ended with with character Martin Fowler’s death

Fans of EastEnders were in tears watching the live episode this week in which a long-running character was killed off.

The BBC soap – which debuted back in 1985 – has been celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout the week, culminating in a live episode tonight. It revealed the result of the public vote on a love triangle and followed residents of Albert Square in the aftermath of a fatal explosion.

The episode began with Martin Fowler (played by James Bye) screaming in pain after a metal beam had fallen on him whilst he tried to rescue Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) from the wreckage of the Queen Vic. Paramedics and firefighters later worked to free Martin from the restraint inside the pub as he lay struggling to breathe with Stacey by his side.

The former couple, who looked set to reconcile their romance, expressed their love for each other whilst waiting for him to be freed. Martin even proposed to Stacey and the pair discussed what their future together could be.

At one point, whilst stood away from Martin, Stacey was warned that he could suffer a cardiac arrest, as a result of crush syndrome, once the beam was lifted. It initially looked like Martin could survive after the beam was eventually pulled off his legs, but moments later – after glancing at Stacey – he died. The episode ended with Stacey cradling him as he lay lifeless on the floor surrounded by debris.

EastEnders viewers were in tears as Martin Fowler (played by James Bye, left) died with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner, right) by his side (Image: BBC)

Alongside the scenes of Martin – who was the first baby born on EastEnders – and Stacey, viewers also saw another of his ex wifes, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), in labour. She gave birth to baby Julia in the live episode. Sonia seemed weak following the delivery though and her newborn baby was said to be turning blue, prompting concern. Julia eventually let out a scream and the pair were seen in the ambulance at the end of it, though some fans have suggested there could be more heartache on the way.

Some viewers have shared that they found the episode emotional, with one fan writing on X: “I’m actually crying my eyes out that was heartbreaking.” Another said during the episode: “I have tears for too many different reasons I can’t do this.” A third said: “Omg cannot believe that. Literally crying at the tv.”

Someone else commented: “I’m literally crying my eyes out and so are you!” Another viewer said: “I’m sobbinggg!!! Well done to everyone involved in tonight’s episode but an ultimate well done to James & Lacey in tonight’s episode.”

Sharing their thoughts, one fan said: “Oh my days, I actually can’t stop crying. I could see it coming and I still can’t stop crying. This week has wrung me out.” Someone wrote: “Not me crying watching Stacey and Martin finale scene.” Another person wrote: “Sonia saving her baby! Wow such an emotional scene. I only tuned in the last 10 minutes and could not move. She has always been a great actress in this.”

The live episode comes following an action-packed week in Albert Square as the BBC soap celebrates 40 years on air. Last night, Anita Dobson made a cameo as the late Angie Watts in emotional scenes that shocked and surprised viewers. Shown in the form of a vision, she appeared in The Queen Vic wearing the original outfit her character wore in 1985, which comprising a striped shirt and blazer, to support her daughter, Sharon Watts, who was shown fighting for her life following an explosion in the pub.

Anita, whose character Angie was killed off-screen in 2002, revealed she told only her husband about her surprise reappearance. In an interview with the BBC, Anita said she told only her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, about her return to the soap. She said: “I obviously told Brian, but I honestly haven’t told anybody!

“It’s been really hard because so many people that I’m really close to have said ‘oh, are you going back?’ because I’ve gone back to do the documentary, so it’s been so hard not to say anything. But I’ve been a really good girl and I’ve kept my little mouth shut because I didn’t want there to be any spoilers!”

Despite being away from Walford for more than 30 years, she said returning as Angie Watts was second nature to her and being able to work with Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon, was “incredibly emotional in a lovely, happy way”.

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders executive producer, added: “Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most formidable and iconic landladies. Since the very first episode, Anita instantly created a character that the audience adored and she not only shaped EastEnders into the show it is today, but also had a huge impact on British television.

“Anita was, of course, top of our ultimate wish list when we were discussing what we would love to include in our special anniversary week, so it was the best birthday present we could ever receive when she said yes.”