EastEnders original Martin Fowler makes savage dig after explosive death

ok.co.uk:

Soap legend James Alexandrou has had his say on the shock exit of Martin Fowler from EastEnders. In a dramatic twist during Thursday 20 February's live episode that was part of the show's 40th-anniversary celebrations, Martin – currently portrayed by James Bye – met a tragic end when he was crushed under a metal beam after an explosion at the Queen Vic.

Following the jaw-dropping scenes, James Alexandrou, who played Martin from 1996 to 2007, couldn't resist a cheeky jab about his own stint in Albert Square.Taking to Instagram, the 39 year old actor shared a snapshot of the gripping episode as it played out on his TV, jokingly commenting: "Somehow I reckon I'll still be asked 'when are you going back to EastEnders?'" Throughout his tenure on the iconic BBC One drama, James tackled some hefty storylines, including grappling with a stalker, the agonising choice to give up his and Sonia's baby for adoption, and dealing with the aftermath of Jamie Mitchell's fatal accident.

In 2007, James decided to bid farewell to the soap to pursue fresh opportunities, despite the producers' hesitance to write off a member of one of the original families.The character of Martin left the Square with wife Sonia to embark on new adventures following the death of his mother, the legendary Pauline Fowler. "I've decided to leave the show to experience other aspects of my industry," James confessed at the time. "Having turned 21, I felt it was a good time to leave.

I owe everything to the show and would love to come back one day - that's if EastEnders would have me," reports the Mirror. Martin made a triumphant return in 2014, this time with James Bye stepping into the role, earning him praise from soap fans who dubbed his portrayal as the "best.