Latest news with #MartinFowler
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' major shake-up as Martin Fowler's replacement on market confirmed
It has been five months since Martin Fowler was brutally killed off on EastEnders leaving his fruit and veg stall unattended - but now a new stall keeper has been uncovered Changes are coming to Albert Square as the iconic fruit and veg stall is set to have a new owner. Long time fans of the BBC soap will be well aware that Martin Fowler held down the stall until her was brutally killed off earlier this year. Now it has been revealed that returning character Oscar Branning will take control of the market stall as he begins to resettle into life in East London. EastEnders fans will be well aware that Oscar is the teenage son of Max Branning and Tanya Cross and the younger brother of Lauren Branning. The character first appeared on the BBC show 2007 and been played by Gabriel Miller-Williams from 2007 until 2008, Neo Hall from 2008 until 2015, and Charlee Hall from 2013 until 2017. Oscar is now being played by Pierre Moullier with an upcoming storyline set to explain how he ends up running the fruit and veg stall. Discussing his casting recently, Pierre explained that he can't wait for soap fans to see him on screen and learn where the show writers take his character. He said, as per OK! Magazine: "It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square. "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet." And teasing his character arc, he added: "Oscar is so much fun to play and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy." EastEnders' Executive Producer Ben Wadey shared his excitement over Oscar's return. He said: "I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up." And hinting at the drama to come, Ben added: "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and ca''t wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life." Plot details suggest that Oscar returns to Albert Square to shake up the life of his sister Lauren, played by Jacqueline Jossa. But when Lauren offers Oscar a trial shift on the stall - and encouraged by Penny Branning, played by Kitty Castledine, to take on the work - he begins to consider if he can build a life for himself in the city. Earlier this year, EastEnders fans were devastated when Martin Fowler was killed off in a shock twist during a 40th anniversary special episode. James Bye, who played the character from 2014 to 2025, explained why the time was right to walk away from the character. He said in a statement following his explosive exit: "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." Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said at the time: 'It's incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much-loved, loyal company member for 10 years. James' performance in tonight's live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers. When discussing James' exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved. "To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I'm sure will cement itself in EastEnders history. I would like to thank James for everything he's given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.' Martin was first played by Jon Peyton-Price when EastEnders began in 1985 and he held onto the role until 1996. James Alexandrou then took on the role and played from 1996 until 2007 after which time James took over. Martin was killed when he was crushed by a fallen structural beam in an accident and died following a heart attack.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star sells home and moves into a caravan just weeks after being killed off on the soap
The actor has shocked fans by revealing his latest move following the death of his on-screen character Martin Fowler drastic change EastEnders star sells home and moves into a caravan just weeks after being killed off on the soap Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star James Bye has sold his "forever home" and moved into a caravan with his family - weeks after being killed off on the soap. The 41-year-old star's wife, Victoria Bye, revealed the couple, their four children and two blind dogs are now living in the middle of a field. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 James Bye played Martin Fowler until earlier this year Credit: BBC 5 The actor with his wife Victoria Credit: Instagram 5 The family are making a major move Credit: Instagram Victoria wrote on Instagram: "It's official …because we've only gone and sold our 'forever home' "And not only that. We've done it so that we can move into a field - and into a caravan… "Yes, you read that right. A tin box on wheels with barely enough room to swing a cat let alone four kids + two blind dogs. S**t. "Now, you may wonder what in the hell we're doing (I know we do, both still I denial I think!)" James, 41, played beloved Martin Fowler from 2014 until he was killed off in the BBC soap's live 40th anniversary episode. He landed a new straightaway as the iconic Jane Austen hero Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley. His wife has now told of the "method to my madness" of moving into a caravan - to build their own house. Victoria revealed: "A dream we've long since had and just never had the time … or the belief that we could. "And yet somehow, when it feels like we've got more than ever on our plate, we thought. Sod it. It's now or never. This is our year for change. And so we are. "I mean, what's could go wrong?! (Er, right. Everything apparently. But let's just breeze over that bit & get back to following your dreams & all that gumph…) EastEnders' James Bye reveals his wife's reaction to soap exit - and the one demand he made to soap bosses "Because, really, it has been a bit of a dream of ours for a very long time. "And it's no surprise because both of our parents did the very same thing back in the 80's! And they survived! (just about!)" "In fact, James' sister was conceived in their caravan right on the foundations of the house they still call home to this day!" But Victoria insists she and James won't be conceiving any more kids in their new caravan home. She wrote: "And whilst there is a firm NO on any baby making shenanigans going on in our little love pad, the same belief & hope for something that we've built on our own is there. "It'll be an adventure. A messy, chaotic, mud filled ride - just us & our boys. And we cant wait. We might even get an alpaca. What the hell, in for a penny & all that… "So stick around for the journey you lovely lot - and please - any advice send our way. "Because in truth. We haven't got a bloody clue what we're doing." James' new move comes after his EastEnders co-star Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, moved into a £93,000 motorhome in 2023, after he split from his wife of 22 years, Beverley Sharp. 5 The couple are moving into a caravan Credit: Instagram
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star sells home and moves into a caravan just weeks after being killed off on the soap
drastic change The actor has shocked fans by revealing his latest move following the death of his on-screen character Martin Fowler EASTENDERS star James Bye has sold his "forever home" and moved into a caravan with his family - weeks after being killed off on the soap. The 41-year-old star's wife, Victoria Bye, revealed the couple, their four children and two blind dogs are now living in the middle of a field. 5 5 Victoria wrote on Instagram: "It's official …because we've only gone and sold our 'forever home' "And not only that. We've done it so that we can move into a field - and into a caravan… "Yes, you read that right. A tin box on wheels with barely enough room to swing a cat let alone four kids + two blind dogs. S**t. "Now, you may wonder what in the hell we're doing (I know we do, both still I denial I think!)" James, 41, played beloved Martin Fowler from 2014 until he was killed off in the BBC soap's live 40th anniversary episode. He landed a new straightaway as the iconic Jane Austen hero Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley. His wife has now told of the "method to my madness" of moving into a caravan - to build their own house. Victoria revealed: "A dream we've long since had and just never had the time … or the belief that we could. "And yet somehow, when it feels like we've got more than ever on our plate, we thought. Sod it. It's now or never. This is our year for change. And so we are. "I mean, what's could go wrong?! (Er, right. Everything apparently. But let's just breeze over that bit & get back to following your dreams & all that gumph…) EastEnders' James Bye reveals his wife's reaction to soap exit - and the one demand he made to soap bosses "Because, really, it has been a bit of a dream of ours for a very long time. "And it's no surprise because both of our parents did the very same thing back in the 80's! And they survived! (just about!)" "In fact, James' sister was conceived in their caravan right on the foundations of the house they still call home to this day!" But Victoria insists she and James won't be conceiving any more kids in their new caravan home. She wrote: "And whilst there is a firm NO on any baby making shenanigans going on in our little love pad, the same belief & hope for something that we've built on our own is there. "It'll be an adventure. A messy, chaotic, mud filled ride - just us & our boys. And we cant wait. We might even get an alpaca. What the hell, in for a penny & all that… "So stick around for the journey you lovely lot - and please - any advice send our way. "Because in truth. We haven't got a bloody clue what we're doing." James' new move comes after his EastEnders co-star Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, moved into a £93,000 motorhome in 2023, after he split from his wife of 22 years, Beverley Sharp. 5
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders' Stacey Slater left on verge of bipolar relapse after worrying clue following Martin Fowler's tragic death
EASTENDERS favourite Stacey Slater is left teetering on the edge as she battles grief over Martin Fowler's tragic death. In emotional upcoming scenes next week, Stacey struggles to hold it together as she juggles her family's needs while quietly falling apart. 6 6 Next week on the BBC soap, Jean and Mo off the scene and it's chaos at the Slater house as Lily and Freddie are left to hold the fort - while Stacey refuses to leave her bedroom. The pressure piles on Lily, who's forced to lie to Kat and Eve to hide the worrying truth about her mum. But when Freddie clocks that Lily's been bunking off school to pick up the slack, he runs straight to Kat and begs her for help. Kat's stunned when she turns up at the house and sees the state of things - and it's clear something's seriously wrong with Stacey. Kat steps up as head of the Slater clan and calls an emergency family meeting, rallying Alfie, Eve and Suki to figure out how to cope with the chaos. With Stacey still locked away upstairs, the gang agree to share childcare duties - but it's clear they're all starting to fear she needs more than just a helping hand. When Stacey finally drags herself into the kitchen and finds the crew waiting, she brushes off Kat's concerns and shuts everyone down. But the heartbreak really hits home later when Lily breaks down in tears, realising her mum isn't coming back to her any time soon. Later in the week, Stacey leaves the house for the first time in weeks - but Kat is worried her cousin is pushing herself too hard too soon. Kat is on edge when Stacey excitedly invites everyone over for a big Slater family dinner. EastEnders legend set for heartbreak as she makes shock decision amid secret affair As Stacey forces on the fun with party hats and jokes, disaster soon strikes when she realises her coat - and more importantly, her mobile - has gone missing. Freddie's accidentally scooped it up in the laundry and taken it to be washed. But Stacey is horrified - the phone holds precious voicemails, photos and final messages from Martin, and they could be gone for good. She bolts off to try and rescue it… while back at No.31, Alfie is floored when Arthur confides a bombshell secret. Soap's most harrowing teen storylines We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Belle Dingle's schizophrenia in Emmerdale - Belle's (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral. The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma's voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being. Hannah Ashworth's anorexia in Hollyoaks - Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body. As Hannah's condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life. Bethany Platt's grooming ordeal in Coronation Street - Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie's darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator. The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her. Whitney Dean's abuse from Tony in EastEnders - Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca's boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him. On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years. At the laundrette, panic sets in as Stacey desperately tries to save her phone from the spin cycle - sending Kat and Lily into crisis mode. Kat gently pleads with Stacey to calm down, fearing her cousin could be in the grips of another bipolar episode. Lily tries to support her mum, but tensions boil over when Stacey snaps - just as Alfie arrives with shocking news. Alfie reveals what Arthur told him in confidence, and the fallout is instant. An emotional Stacey lashes out, leading to a heart-breaking clash with Lily that threatens to destroy their fragile bond. With Stacey spiralling and the Slaters in chaos, can anyone stop things from going too far? EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 6 6 6
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders legend set for heartbreak as she makes shock decision amid secret affair
EASTENDERS legend Jean Slater is headed for more heartbreak as she makes a shock decision. The Albert Square stalwart's next move could see her entire world come crashing down. 4 4 Jean (Gillian Wright) made a surprise proposal in Monday's episode of EastEnders as she asked Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) to marry her. As EastEnders fans will know, Harvey's been sneaking around behind Jean's back - carrying on a steamy affair with none other than Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth). With Jean shutting him out as she supports her grief-stricken clan after Martin Fowler's (James Bye) tragic death, Harvey's found comfort in Kathy's arms - but how long can the secret stay hidden? Harvey was all set for a Slater family camping trip - but things hit the skids when a fiery row between Stacey (Lacey Turner) and Lily (Lillia Turner) causes the whole getaway to be called off. Harvey turned to Kathy for comfort. But wracked with guilt over their affair, he headed home to reveal all to Jean… only to be blindsided when Jean popped the question. Jean said: "I'm a lucky girl, Harvey. I'm lucky to have you and I don't tell you often enough and I know I give you a hard time sometimes. "But honestly, there's not a single day that goes by when I don't look at you and thank my lucky stars." As Harvey interrupted Jean and asked her: "Do you think we can go somewhere in private?" Jean chimed in: "I want to do something - Harvey Monroe... will you marry me?" EastEnders win TV Bafta for the first time in six years after Emmerdale was forced to withdraw However, Jean's spontaneous decision to propose sets off a chain of events that shockingly exposes his and Kathy's affair. Upcoming scenes will see Harvey finally pluck up the courage to tell Jean the truth - but just as he's about to confess, he ends up accidentally accepting her proposal. As the Slaters pop the fizz to toast the news, Harvey sneaks off for a cheeky snog with Kathy - unaware that their stolen moment is being secretly filmed by a smug Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). And for Cindy, who's still hellbent on revenge after Kathy's Christmas Day attack, it's the golden ticket she's been waiting for. Best soap affair love triangles LOVE triangles are a fundamental part of soap-land, but which ones have become the most iconic? EASTENDERS Bradley/Stacey/Max: Stacey Slater began an affair with boyfriend Bradley Branning's dad Max in 2007. Despite their romps, Stacey still married Bradley, but their deceit came out in an iconic Christmas Day episode that year. Grant/Sharon/Phil: Heading even further back in Walford history, EastEnders fans were gripped in the 90s as Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell. Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler - not realising it was caught on tape - and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic. Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realising he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on his wedding day. A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and went ahead and married Amira anyway, but when they returned, the two men started an affair before being caught in the act by Amira. CORONATION STREET Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of a love triangle and ran with it in Coronation Street - extending it to bigamy. He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards, and quickly married her after she fell pregnant with his son, Simon. But it didn't stop him also marrying Shelley, but he was eventually caught when Lucy turned up in Weatherfield and the two women confronted him. Ken/Deidre/Mike: Back in 1982, Deirdre Barlow started sleeping with her husband's nemesis Mike Baldwin in secret, before confessing all a year later. When Mike turned up at the marital home, Deirdre was being throttled by her husband who then kicked her out, but years later they reconciled. Maria/Aidan/Eva: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with girlfriend Eva Price's best friend, Maria Connor. Eva eventually found out and she decided to take revenge by faking a pregnancy, spending his money and planned to confront him on their wedding day. But she had a change of heart when a remorseful Aidan confessed, and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to arrive and expose her fake pregnancy. EMMERDALE Ross/Debbie/Pete: Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton in 2015 in Emmerdale. She eventually decided to marry Pete but yet again, a soap wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of his bride's betrayal via a recording played at the wedding. Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all seemed well - until he began a steamy affair with Aaron Dingle. Robert's ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair - but fell to her death before she had the chance. However, a guilty Aaron eventually cracked and told Chrissie about the affair - after which she announced it to the whole pub. Later in the week, The Vic is packed to the rafters as the Square raises a glass to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale's (Thomas Law) new bundle of joy. But things quickly take a turn when Cindy - still fuming after being frozen out by her family - decides it's payback time. In classic Cindy style, she hijacks the celebration and stuns punters by playing the explosive video of Kathy and Harvey's steamy smooch… right in front of a devastated Jean. Will Jean kick Harvey to the kerb for good - or is there still hope for the unlucky-in-love cabbie? EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 4 4
