A moving tribute to Martin in EastEnders doesn’t go down well

Martin Fowler (James Bye) was a stalwart of EastEnders, and his death rocked the lives of nearly every Albert Square resident.

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Martin’s true love with whom he’d reconciled moments before his demise was utterly broken; the loss of Martin eventually seeing her own departure from the Square.

Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), a character intrinsically linked with both Martin and Stacey also left Walford amid her grief, while Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) took an extended leave of absence, heading to Australia to support her grieving friend Michelle Fowler (Jenna Russell).

The loss of Martin was seismic, with residents gathering in Harry’s Barn to celebrate his life, mourning the death of a beloved EastEnders legend.

Speaking at the time of his alter-ego’s death, James said: ‘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.

‘It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude.

A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years.

‘This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart.

It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds.

RIP Martin Fowler.’
With Martin gone, a remnant of him does linger in Walford: his old shed, which Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) have big plans for: they want to turn it into a man cave.

Both previously formed a foursome alongside Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) who vowed to provide a safe space to talk and now, Ross and Harvey plan to make that space tangible, but they need the key from Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).

When Ross and Harvey tell Zack Hudson (James Farrar) of their plan, he’s initially reticent, believing that it’s disrespectful to Martin’s memory.

When he talks to Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), though, his son helps him to realise that Martin himself would’ve been fully behind the idea.

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Zack approaches Jean and tells her of the groups plans for the shed and puts his all into persuading her that it’s a good idea.

The only problem?

Jean turns around to find Ross and Harvey trying to steal the key.

As the shed renovation begins, Ross begins to open up, leading to the groups next issue…