As a devoted film enthusiast, it’s widely accepted that deaths in EastEnders are almost always characterized by intensity, emotion, or heartbreak – but James Bye managed to surpass expectations, delivering a death scene that was not only violent and dramatic but also incredibly devastating.
Previously, the actor bid farewell to Martin Fowler, a role he had portrayed for more than a decade, during an intense live broadcast commemorating the 40th anniversary, where his character met a tragic end by being buried beneath the debris of the Queen Vic pub.
The reaction to his passing has been immense, yet fortunately for enthusiasts, Bye will only be away from work momentarily as he’s already verified his role as Mr. Darcy in an upcoming stage adaptation of Death Comes to Pemberley.
The play is based on a popular 2011 novel by PD James, which served as a follow-up to Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. This book was earlier used to create a three-episode series on BBC One, starring Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin.

He expressed: “It deeply saddens me to tuck Martin in for the last time, knowing I won’t be able to portray him anymore. However, the charm of a character like Martin lies in his strong connection with the common people, making him relatable and ordinary. On the other hand, Darcy represents the upper class and aristocracy, standing at the opposite end of the social spectrum.
He may not be deliberately impolite, but I am eagerly anticipating avoiding any future mistreatment – Martin has been unintentionally mistreated for the past decade.
He expressed his excitement about the multifaceted nature of the role, and his anticipation to delve deeper into portraying a more intricate, emotional character.
As a cinephile, I find Martin’s emotional expressions to be as open as a book, while Darcy keeps his feelings tightly sealed like a bottle. From an actor’s perspective, this difference makes both roles a treasure trove.
For many years, I had hoped to see such intricate storylines from EastEnders, and finally, we were given the chance to portray the darker side of Martin. However, for most of the time, Martin remained quite straightforward, which was reflective of his character.
According to the actor, Bye’s depiction of Mr. Darcy will show us a character at a significantly different point in his life.

He stated, “The story isn’t Pride and Prejudice. Instead, Elizabeth and Darcy have resolved their issues and are now quite close. The plot revolves around a murder that occurred on their property and how they navigate through this challenge as a team.
However, for those concerned that we might miss the signature brooding of Mr. Darcy, he assured us: “Rest assured, Mr. Darcy remains Mr. Darcy; he is practical, overconfident, and has a firm mindset.
In this production, Jamie-Rose Duke portrays Elizabeth Darcy, joined by Celia Cruwys-Finnigan as Georgiana Darcy and Sean Rigby from Endeavour as Colonel Fitzwilliam. Additionally, Paul Jerricho, Sam Woodhams, David Osmond, and Mogali Masuku are part of the cast. Further announcements regarding additional cast members will be made soon.
Earlier this week, the initial glimpse of the cast dressed in Regency attire was unveiled, and Bye confessed that he’s already enjoying his role: “This play is simply a blast! The script is fantastic, and they’re going to give it their all. It promises to be an extraordinary performance.

A few actors within the ensemble are exceptionally skilled musicians, allowing them to perform live music during certain parts of the play. The aim is that these musical moments will immersively transport the viewers into that specific era.
He mentioned that they are yet a month away from starting rehearsals, finding this a “privilege” instead of the swift production timelines for EastEnders episodes. Furthermore, he expressed his readiness to explore additional play opportunities in the future if given the chance.
For the past decade, I’ve been almost like a permanent resident in this industry. Coming back out now, I’m astounded by both the hectic pace and the sheer level of skill everywhere. The competition is fierce with so much talent around, but if additional opportunities come my way, I wouldn’t hesitate to accept them.
Where can I see James Bye in Death Comes to Pemberley?
Starting next May 1st, I’m thrilled to be part of the opening cast for “Death Comes to Pemberley” at The Mill at Sonning. After our two-month run there, we’ll be hitting the road, performing 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, spreading the magic of this production far and wide!
Go ahead and reserve your tickets on the official tour website now, or you might also want to explore ATG Tickets for additional theatre selections.
3. Option C: Book your tickets today using the official tour site, or consider visiting ATG Tickets for a broader choice of theater performances.
4. Option D: Secure your tickets on the official tour website at this moment, or alternatively, look into ATG Tickets for a variety of theatre shows.
Read More
- How to watch A Complete Unknown – is it streaming?
- INJ PREDICTION. INJ cryptocurrency
- USD VES PREDICTION
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- RLC PREDICTION. RLC cryptocurrency
- IP PREDICTION. IP cryptocurrency
- CAKE PREDICTION. CAKE cryptocurrency
- EUR HUF PREDICTION
- USD MXN PREDICTION
- Russell T Davies Unveils New LGBTQ+ Drama ‘Tip Toe’ – A Must-See Thriller!
2025-03-01 15:15