Fans of EastEnders have been doing double takes after spotting former soap star James Alexandrou in a completely different role almost two decades after leaving Albert Square. The actor, now 41, is best known for playing Martin Fowler during some of the BBC soap’s biggest storylines throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, these days, James looks worlds away from the cheeky market trader viewers grew up watching in Walford. Instead, he has now popped up in the latest season of Prime Video’s action-packed spy thriller Citadel, and fans were seriously shocked when they recognised him.
A Shocking Transformation
James appears in episode three of the show’s second season, starring as a lead officer in one of the drama’s intense action scenes. Dressed in tactical gear and carrying a gun, the former soap actor looked almost unrecognisable compared to his EastEnders days, leaving viewers stunned online. The Hollywood series, starring Oscar-nominated actor Stanley Tucci, has built a reputation for explosive action and huge stunts, so seeing a familiar soap face suddenly appear caught plenty of fans off guard.
Remembering Martin Fowler
For many EastEnders fans, James will always be remembered as the lovable Martin Fowler. He took over the role in 1996 after replacing child actor Jon Peyton Price and went on to become one of the soap’s most recognisable younger characters. During his time in Albert Square, viewers watched Martin grow up on screen, dealing with family drama, relationships, and life running the famous fruit and veg stall. James stayed in the role until 2007 before deciding to leave the soap after more than a decade. Years later, the character was recast with actor James Bye taking over the role.
Earlier this year, EastEnders viewers were left heartbroken during the soap’s dramatic 40th anniversary live episode when Martin was killed off in emotional scenes that quickly got fans talking online. James Alexandrou even reacted to his former character’s death himself, sharing a joke on Instagram after the episode aired. Posting a picture from Martin’s final scenes, he wrote: ‘Somehow reckon I’ll still be asked “When are you going back to EastEnders?”’
Career After Walford
Even after leaving Walford behind, James has built an impressive acting career with appearances across several major British TV dramas. Over the years, he has appeared in shows including Call the Midwife, Silent Witness, and Professor T. Still, for plenty of soap fans, seeing him step into the world of big-budget Hollywood-style television felt like a real full-circle moment. What has surprised viewers most is just how different he looks now compared to his EastEnders days. Gone is the fresh-faced market trader fans remember from the Square. In Citadel, James appears far more rugged and serious, fitting perfectly into the spy drama world.
For longtime EastEnders viewers, though, no matter how many Hollywood thrillers he stars in, there is one thing that probably will not change anytime soon: he will always be Martin Fowler to us.
