BBC EastEnders live episode 'ruined' as soap kills off legend - and fans are devastated

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

EastEnders fans were left stunned by the surprise demise in the soap's 40th anniversary live episode. The beloved BBC One show commemorated its forty years on air this week, culminating with a gripping 30-minute live episode that aired on Thursday (February 20).

This special followed closely on the heels of the explosive fire at the Queen Vic, leaving numerous characters in perilous situations and resulting in the tragic death of Reiss Colwell (played by Jonny Freeman).

Caught up in the chaos inside the pub were Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), who went into labour, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), as well as Martin Fowler (James Bye) who found himself trapped beneath a fallen beam alongside his ex, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

In the February 20 episode, paramedics scrambled to Martin's aid, but his outlook was grim. Viewers witnessed poignant moments as Stacey and Martin contemplated remarriage, with Martin delivering an emotional monologue about his love for Stacey.