Former EastEnders star James Bye has secured a major new acting role, joining the cast of the hugely popular supernatural stage production 2:22 A Ghost Story. This exciting career move comes just nine months after his beloved character, Martin Fowler, was killed off in the BBC soap's dramatic 40th-anniversary episodes.
From Walford to the West End
James Bye's final scenes as the iconic market trader aired in February 2025, in a week of special episodes celebrating EastEnders' four-decade milestone. His character's exit was both emotional and explosive. Martin Fowler became trapped in the rubble of the Queen Vic after Reiss Colwell, played by Jonny Freeman, crashed his car into the pub.
As Martin waited for emergency services to free him, he shared poignant moments with Stacey Slater, portrayed by Lacey Turner, where they reconciled and decided to reunite. Tragically, their hope was short-lived. When the beam pinning him down was finally removed, Martin suffered Crush syndrome, which led to his death shortly after, leaving Stacey and viewers heartbroken.
A Fond Farewell to Albert Square
Reflecting on his departure earlier this year, James Bye stated, 'Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the show's epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right.' He expressed his honour at leaving with such a significant storyline and thanked the fans and the BBC, adding, 'This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart.'
Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer at the time, praised James's decade of service, calling him a 'much loved loyal company member'. He highlighted that James's performance in the live episode was 'nothing short of outstanding' and that giving Martin an explosive exit was a fitting tribute to the character.
Embracing a New Stage Role
Since leaving the Square, Bye has kept busy with theatre work, including a role in Death Comes to Pemberley. His next project sees him fully return to the stage in the acclaimed thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story, where he will play the character of Sam.
The play, which has been a success since its 2021 debut, features a storyline where Sam's partner Jenny believes their new home is haunted, but Sam remains sceptical. During a dinner party with friends Ben and Lauren, the group decides to stay up until 2:22 AM to discover the truth about the alleged paranormal activity.
Bye will be performing alongside a cast including Gary Lucy from Hollyoaks, Shvorne Marks, and Natalie Casey. The production has previously featured a host of well-known faces, such as Louisa Lytton, Stacey Dooley, and Kevin Clifton, making it a celebrated fixture in the theatre scene.
