EastEnders’ Lacey Turner’s tearful goodbye to ‘best mate’ after Martin Fowler’s exit

Following his ten-year departure from EastEnders, soap star Lacey Turner paid tribute to James Bye.

Martin Fowler was played by James, 40, in a live broadcast of the BBC show to celebrate its 40th anniversary, but the character was killed last week during a live episode. Some viewers left devastated after Martin’s passing on Thursday, and cast members later addressed co-star James’ exit.

His coworker Lacey, 36, who played Stacey Slater when Martin passed away, has since released a statement on her own. She shared the pair’s photos, which were taken ten years apart, on Instagram this evening. The first showed James and Lacey in 2015, whilst the other showed them behind-the-scenes on a recent episode.

Lacey and Lacey shared their friendship in the accompanying caption, which reads “We’re back on EastEnders in 2014” after having previously been on the show from 2004 and 2010. She expressed her gratitude for James’ assistance, saying that there were “no words” to express her emotions.

She wrote in the comments section: “I don’t know how to express how I feel! Thank you for holding my hand not only throughout the crazy, terrififing, amazing, heartbreaking experience of the live ep but for holding it for the last 10 years! On and off screen! My best mate, a proper partner in crime”! We laughed every day from beginning to end, Lacey said, and I’ll be forever grateful for it! Here’s to you @jimmybye! You are one of a kind mate”! She then concluded: “Thank you for Martin Fowler what a bloke”!

Martin was fatally injured following an explosion at the Queen Vic, which EastEnders viewers saw him pass away last week. When Stacey was struck by a metal beam while attempting to save her from the pub’s ruin, he was struck by the beam. Their loved ones, including Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), had already escaped the building which was falling apart.

Stacey remained by Martin’s side throughout their efforts as he waited for paramedics to free him after falling under the beam. The pair discussed their potential future together and expressed their love for one another. However, Stacey eventually learned from a paramedic that the beam’s raised height could cause him to experience cardiac arrest due to crush syndrome. Moments later, Martin died.

Following his character’s death in the live episode, James issued a statement about his departure. Saying goodbye, he said, is difficult, but after ten years at EastEnders and the show’s 40th anniversary, it felt right. It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude”.

He continued, “A huge thank you to all the EastEnders fans who have lent their lives to this role for so long. EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you.” My heart will always be drawn to this fruit and vegetable man. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler”.

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Source: Mirror