James Bye's next move after leaving BBC show EastEnders behind has now been announced and he's going from soap to stage following Martin Fowler's dramatic death

James Bye’s new role has been confirmed, days on from his EastEnders exit. The actor’s final scenes as Martin Fowler aired last Thursday, when the character died following the Queen Vic explosion. The beloved face was trapped under a beam that he had realised was falling from the ceiling.

The soap's 40th anniversary week ended with Martin passing away after a steel beam fell on him in the Queen Vic

It hasn't taken long for James Bye to land his first acting gig after departing EastEnders – with the Martin Fowler star having been cast in the lead role of Mr Darcy in a new stage production of Death Comes to Pemberley.

EastEnders star James Bye has spoken out about the demise of Martin Fowler in tonight's live episode, with him having shared a parting message in an emotional statement

James Bye took over the role of Martin Fowler when the character returned to Walford after a seven-year absence in 2014. The character was the first baby to be born on the show to parents Pauline and Arthur Fowler (Wendy Richard and Bill Treacher).

EastEnders has confirmed that Bex Fowler will be making a return to Albert Square following the death of her father Martin, with actress Jasmine Armfield reprising her role

Hot on the heels of the news that Vicki Fowler will return to EastEnders for Martin’s (James Bye) funeral, it has been confirmed that his daughter Bex will also be in attendance to say an emotional goodbye.