EastEnders legend Martin Fowler has been killed off after 40 years. Actor James Bye played the popular character since 2014 after taking over the role from Jon Peyton-Price (1985-1986) and James Alexandrou (1996-2007). During Thursday's (February 20) live episdoe to mark the soap's 40th anniversary, Martin had his legs crushed by a steel beam moments after confessing his love to his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).