EastEnders star James Bye, who is best known for playing Walford's fruit and veg man, Martin Fowler, has revealed what is next after his shocking exit in the soap's 40th anniversary live episode last week.

James Bye has admitted there was a moment in the live episode of EastEnders last week where co-star Lacey Turner ‘saved’ his ‘skin’. To conclude the week of 40th anniversary celebrations, the BBC One soap went completely live for half an hour.

Martin Fowler tragically died in a live EastEnders episode after being crushed by a steel beam following an explosion at the Queen Vic

EastEnders star James Bye's next move after his exit from the BBC soap following Martin Fowler's death in the Queen Vic explosion has been announced - and it's very different

It has been revealed that James will portray Mr Darcy in the upcoming stage production of the Pride and Prejudice spin-off, Death Comes to Pemberley. The hit show, which was previously adapted by the BBC starring Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin, is coming to the stage and will tour from May to September.

EastEnders star James Bye's wife gave fans an in-depth tour of the soap's set as well as his trailer as his exit was shown on the live episode

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James Bye ’s new role has been confirmed, days on from his EastEnders exit. The actor’s final scenes as Martin Fowler aired last Thursday, when the character died following the Queen Vic explosion.

James Bye's next move after leaving BBC show EastEnders behind has now been announced and he's going from soap to stage following Martin Fowler's dramatic death

EastEnders' James Bye opened up on The One Show about his final request to the BBC before his character Martin Fowler was killed off in the live anniversary episode