EastEnders’ James Bye to play iconic Mr Darcy in first role since Martin Fowler’s death

The production is scheduled to debut for a two-month stint at The Mill at Sonning starting from May 1st. Following this, it will embark on a tour, with stops at Windsor Theatre Royal, Cardiff New Theatre, Bath Theatre Royal, Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Wycombe Swan, Brighton Theatre Royal, and Richmond Theatre.

Bye expressed that he’s departing from EastEnders at a peak, following the thrilling live 40th anniversary episode.

Following a tough run of dramatic narratives for nearly ten years, I’m looking forward to the change in stepping into period attire and embodying one of literature’s beloved romantic heroes. This upcoming phase is something I eagerly anticipate starting.

In the upcoming cast, you’ll find Jamie-Rose Duke portraying Elizabeth Darcy, Celia Cruwys-Finnigan as Georgiana Darcy, and Sean Rigby from Endeavour playing Colonel Fitzwilliam. Additionally, Paul Jerricho, Sam Woodhams, David Osmond, and Mogali Masuku are part of the cast as well. More actors will be announced soon.

Concurrently, the production is being transformed by writers Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, known for penning stage adaptations of hit novels like “The Girl on the Train” and “The Da Vinci Code.” It’s set to be helmed by director Joe Harmston.

Six years following Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s blissful marriage, their peaceful life at Pemberley is disrupted when Elizabeth’s sister Lydia suddenly arrives with startling information – a person has been killed in the woods, and her husband, the infamous George Wickham, is the prime suspect.

As the probe continues, hidden truths surface, emotions escalate, and allegiances are questioned, causing uncertainty about who among us might be guilty.

Since 2014, I’ve had the privilege of portraying Martin on EastEnders, gracing more than a thousand episodes of this beloved soap opera. Last week, in a heart-wrenching twist for the show’s 40th anniversary special, my character met an untimely end. In the aftermath of the Queen Vic’s devastating explosion, Martin found himself trapped beneath a heavy metal structure.