Latest news with #EE40
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EastEnders star says 'it's been an honour' as he's killed off on BBC soap
An EastEnders star has said "it's been an honour" to have been involved in the show after his character was killed off in last night's live episode (Thursday, February 20). James Bye, who played Martin Fowler on the BBC soap, had his life hanging in the balance after the conclusion of Wednesday night's (February 19) hour-long special for thr 40th anniversary week. After being trapped in the Queen Vic pub after an explosion with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) they declared their love for each other. However, this happiness was short-lived as Martin was then trapped underneath a falling beam and later died from his injuries. The most beautiful words. #EastEnders #EE40 #EELive — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 20, 2025 Speaking to the BBC on his dramatic exit, James Bye 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." Martin Fowler first arrived in Walford on July 30, 1985, making him the first baby born in EastEnders to parents, Pauline and Arthur. Bye had played the role since 2014 and had become a bit of a fan-favourite among the viewership. Plenty of EastEnders fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their thoughts about Martin Fowler being killed off. One person wrote: "Another scene that broke me well done to all the amazing cast and crew you totally smashed it - but Lacey and James were the main stars tonight." Arguably the best recast in soap history. Completely changed Martin as a character both in personality and acting. When I think of perfect recasts, I'll always have James Bye as the measuring stick. #EastEnders — Daniel (@d_loughins) February 20, 2025 Another shared: "The first baby born on #EastEnders Martin Fowler is officially dead. The definition of a legacy character and I can't actually believe he's gone. "Round of applause to James Bye. It's hard to be a recast but when I think of Martin Fowler I'll think of him." Recommended reading: How to watch iconic EastEnders episodes from the past 40 years 'Best moment in EastEnders history' as iconic character returns after 37 years EastEnders fans get 'emotional' after watching 40th anniversary documentary A third wrote: "will be taking compassionate leave from work for at least 10 working days to grieve the dearly departed martin fowler". Another gushed about the character, saying: "Arguably the best recast in soap history. "Completely changed Martin as a character both in personality and acting. When I think of perfect recasts, I'll always have James Bye as the measuring stick."
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EastEnders star 'extremely sad' to be leaving soap after more than 30 years
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is leaving the BBC soap after more than 30 years. The 41-year-old, who plays Sonia Fowler, said she was 'extremely sad' but 'very excited' to be leaving. The BBC has confirmed her final scenes would take place around the soap's 40th anniversary week beginning February 17. We've officially entered the year of EastEnders' 40th anniversary! Let's do this… #EE40 #EastEnders — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 1, 2025 In a statement, she said: 'I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. 'After another 11 solid years back on the square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show. 'Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it's an honour. See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten.' Usually, when an actor leaves a TV series like a soap, the storyline will allow for them to be written out of future episodes due to their character leaving the town or being killed but the BBC has not confirmed how Cassidy will leave the show. Her character is currently pregnant with Reiss Colwell's (Jonny Freeman) baby unaware that he killed his ex-wife Debbie (Jenny Meier), a crime Sonia was later charged with but found not guilty after a video emerged of her half-sister Bianca Butcher (Patsy Palmer) confessing to the crime. EastEnders executive producer Clenshaw said of Cassidy's departure: 'Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show's most iconic and explosive storylines. 'Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers. 'I won't be revealing the finite details relating to her exit, but I can say that she will take a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines in a week of truly unmissable drama that will change the lives of those in Walford forever. 'I'd like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future.' Her character is best known for her poor trumpet playing which angered her family and neighbours during her early days on the soap. Some of Sonia's biggest storylines include her being bullied by her friend Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) after she fell in with the wrong crowd at school and her teenage pregnancy with later-husband Martin Fowler (Jon Peyton-Price/James Alexandrou). Recommended reading: EastEnders' Jessie Wallace reveals how iconic 2001 scene should've been different Peggy Mitchell star to return to EastEnders for upcoming Phil storyline Ross Kemp to present special EastEnders documentary amid Albert Square return Cassidy made her first appearance in the soap in 1993, leaving the soap in 2007. She returned briefly between 2010 and 2011 and later went back to Walford in 2014. The soap's 40th anniversary will also see the return of Phil Mitchell's (Steve McFadden) brother Grant (Ross Kemp) after a near 10-year absence. It will also see fans given a vote on whether Denise Fox (Diane Parish) reunites with her estranged husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or picks secret lover Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
