
James Bye, who used to play a character on EastEnders, has said he’d consider coming back to the show, especially after the recent and surprising exit of Martin Fowler.
Viewers were heartbroken in February when Martin died in an explosion at The Queen Vic pub. This dramatic event was part of the show’s 40th-anniversary episodes and marked the end of actor James Bye’s eleven years playing the character.
EastEnders has announced it will bring back characters Pat Butcher and Barry Evans, who are both previously deceased, for a storyline focusing on Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and his dementia. Actor Bye, who played a role in the past, said he’d be open to returning if the story felt appropriate.
“I think, just for the fans, I would,” he told The Sun. “I know how important that character was to the fans.
If the chance came up and it fit the story, or was just a fun thing to do, I’d definitely be interested. I’d always want to do justice to the character and respect its fans.

He also mentioned the timing was perfect, since he’s currently performing in the play 2:22 A Ghost Story, which is traveling across the UK until 2026.
Bye discussed potentially returning to acting, but also made it clear he wouldn’t dismiss the idea of appearing on another soap opera. He explained, “If other shows are as good as EastEnders was, I’d definitely consider it.”
After Martin’s death, Stacey Slater found it too difficult to stay in Albert Square. Overwhelmed by grief, she decided to leave Walford with her family, explaining that everything – like The Vic and the market – reminded her of him and she couldn’t cope.
Despite leaving, the popular character isn’t gone for good. Actress Turner has already shared that she plans to return to the BBC soap in the future.
Don’t miss out on EastEnders! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV recommendations, features, and more.
Read More
- FC 26 reveals free preview mode and 10 classic squads
- When Perturbation Fails: Taming Light in Complex Cavities
- Jujutsu Kaisen Execution Delivers High-Stakes Action and the Most Shocking Twist of the Series (Review)
- Fluid Dynamics and the Promise of Quantum Computation
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Dancing With The Stars Fans Want Terri Irwin To Compete, And Robert Irwin Shared His Honest Take
- Red Dead Redemption Remaster Error Prevents Xbox Players from Free Upgrade
- Walking Towards State Estimation: A New Boundary Condition Approach
- Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
- TikToker Madeleine White Marries Andrew Fedyk: See Her Wedding Dress
2025-12-07 15:04