EastEnders fans have been left raging after Denise Fox finally chose between lovers Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati in Thursday’s 40th anniversary episode.

Denise (Diane Parish) has been embroiled in a long-running love triangle with her ex-husband Jack (Scott Maslen) and Ravi (Aaron Thiara).

As part of EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations, viewers were given the chance to vote on Wednesday night to decide Denise’s fate in a first in the show’s history.

During the H๏τly-anticipated first ever live episode, the results of the public vote were finally revealed, but not all fans were happy with Denise’s choice.

As the aftermath of the Queen Vic’s explosion played out on screen, Denise was shown knocking on the door of a house as it was revealed where her heart truly lies.

The door opened to reveal her ex-husband Jack, who she was married to from 2021 until 2024, standing behind the door, looking surprised to see her.

EastEnders fans have been left raging after Denise Fox finally chose between lovers Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati in Thursday’s 40th anniversary episode

As part of EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations, viewers were given the chance to vote on Wednesday night to decide Denise’s fate in a first in the show’s history 

As she walked into the house, Ravi left his own home and watched on, looking shocked and devastated as the love triangle finally seemed to be over.

Upon reuniting with Jack, Denise declared her love for him in poignant scenes as she begged him to give their relationship another try. 

‘I feel safe with you, Jack. I want to feel safe,’ she gushed. ‘Ravi and me… it’d never go anywhere. We’re from two different worlds. 

‘I see a future with you Jack. Our history, that runs deep. My feelings haven’t changed, I still love you.’

The two then sealed their reunion with a pᴀssionate kiss, however viewers were left divided over the decision, with many sharing their rage over her decision.

Even though her fate was sealed by the public, many fans took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to slam the decision as ‘boring’ and call for her to get back with Ravi. 

Comments included: ‘I’m always disappointed in the UK when it comes to collectively making the right decision bc wdym Denise chose Jack??? BORING’;

‘I’m very disappointed Denise did not choose Ravi tbh. Although I did think people would choose Jack because that would mean he’d have more lines and more likely to mess up’; 

During the H๏τly-anticipated first ever live episode, the results of the public vote were finally revealed, but not all fans were happy with Denise’s choice to get back together with Jack 

Even though her fate was sealed by the public, many fans took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to slam the decision as ‘boring’ and call for her to get back with Ravi

‘Not happy about Denise choosing Jack but that ending had me sobbing’; ‘I can’t see Denise and Jack lasting very long’;

‘Can’t believe Denise chose Jack, we’ll have such boring storylines for them now which is a shame.’

Elsewhere in the episode, viewers were left devastated as fan favourite Martin Fowler was killed off in tragic scenes.

Viewers were forced to bid farewell to James Bye’s character as he became the second person to die after the Queen Vic’s shock explosion.

On Wednesday, viewers had been left a cliffhanger after he was trapped under a steel beam in the ruins, and he died from crush syndrome during Thursday’s live episode.

At first, it appeared that Martin had been successfully rescued from underneath the beam, but his heart then stopped as firefighters rushed to try and save him.

His ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was left in floods of tears as Martin died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed.

The heartbreaking episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin’s lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic for news.

Ravi looked devastated as he watched Denise enter Jack’s home after the love triangle that has captured fans’ minds for many months 

Elsewhere in the episode, viewers were left devastated as fan favourite Martin Fowler was killed off in tragic scenes

His ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was left in floods of tears as Martin died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed

Viewers were quick to take to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their devastation and shock over Martin’s death as they admitted they were in mourning.

The comments included: ‘EastEnders got me crying like this’; ‘It was LIVE. They could’ve stopped it happening’;

‘That’s so wicked that they killed off Martin’; ‘I’m not f**king okay after that’; ‘Actually sobbing at EastEnders’; ‘I’m taking time off work for grief. That scream will haunt me’;

‘That was unbearable to watch’; ‘I will never forgive #EastEnders BRING BACK MARTIN AND BRING HIM BACK NOW.’

The emotional scenes saw on/off couple Martin and Stacey share a tearful final conversation while he firefighters tried to rescue him from beneath the beam.

After months of avoiding their feelings, Martin declared his love for Stacey and proposed, promising her any future in or out of Walford as they decided to give their relationship another chance.

‘I truly, madly, head over heels, love you,’ Martin declared. ‘I don’t ever want to be apart from you again, alright?’

‘Will you marry me?’ he then asked Stacey, who said there was no need to have another ‘party’ to celebrate their union.

The heartbreaking episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin’s lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic’s ruins

Viewers took to X to share their devastation and shock over Martin’s death as they admitted they were in mourning

Persuading her, he said: ‘It’s you and me showing the world how much we love each other,’ and told her he wanted to make a wedding speech about her.

‘So is that a yes?’ Martin asked her, prompting Stacey to giggle and reply: ‘Yes!’ 

However, their happiness was short-lived and Stacey began to worry that something was wrong and upon speaking to a paramedic, made a heartbreaking discovery.

The medic told her that once the beam was lifted, Martin’s body would be flooded with toxins and he was at risk of crush syndrome because of his injuries.

After being told to say her goodbyes to Martin, Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell him about his tragic fate, but he soon realised upon seeing her devastation.

They had a heartbreaking farewell as, through tears, Martin told Stacey the words he would have told her on their wedding day after his proposal.

Sharing what his speech would have been, he began: ‘No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her.

‘I thought she was the Sєxiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on. It’s always been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one.’

After his death, Martin’s ex-wife Ruby Allen (left) – who has been involved in a love triangle with the duo – fell to her knees as she heard Stacey’s screams

Just moments before his death, Martin declared his love for Stacey and proposed to her, promising her any kind of future either in or out of Walford she wanted 

Read More EastEnders’ Sonia Fowler gives birth to baby girl on the floor of the Queen Vic

In a nod to EastEnders’ 40th anniversary, he added: ‘I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.’

The couple then shared a kiss before firefighters began to lift the beam and though it at first appeared Martin had been rescued, he then tragically died.

The episode came to a heartwrenching end with Stacey’s screams being heard by the Walford residents waiting outside the Queen Vic for news about those stuck inside.

As Stacey hugged Martin’s lifeless body, his ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) – who has been involved in a love triangle with the duo – fell to her knees as she heard the screams.

It was a devastating twist as Martin’s death came just moments after the good news that Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cᴀssidy) had given birth to her daughter in the ruins of the Queen Vic.

Martin first arrived in Walford on July 30, 1985, and was first played by Jon Peyton-Price and then James Alexandrou, before James Bye took on the role in 2014.

During his 10 years on the soap opera, James has been at the centre of some of EastEnders’ biggest storylines and shared some poignant words upon his exit.

He said: ‘Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. 

Martin first arrived in Walford on July 30, 1985, and was played by Jon Peyton-Price and then James Alexandrou, before James Bye (pictured) took on the role in 2014

‘It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. 

‘This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.’

Meanwhile, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: ‘It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years. 

‘James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers. 

‘When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved. 

‘To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history. 

‘I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.’