EastEnders fans were glued to their screens on Thursday night as the 40th anniversary live episode revealed the fate of Martin Fowler, the outcome of Denise Fox’s love triangle and the birth of Sonia Fowler’s baby. 

Yet the real drama began after the cameras stopped rolling as Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, was allegedly caught up in an altercation with fans outside the studios. 

Following a successful live episode, the cast celebrated with a boozy after show party at Elstree Studios with Adam catching a ride home with co-star Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater. 

Yet as the pair attempted to leave the lot they were blocked by a group of overzealous fans desperate to catch a glimpse of the stars leaving. 

According to an onlooker, Adam jumped out of the car and told fans to ‘move out of the way’ and declined signing autographs. 

EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt ‘got into an altercation with fans’ while leaving the after show party at Elstree Studios with co-star Jessie Wallace on Thursday evening

According to an onlooker, Adam jumped out of the car and told fans to ‘move out of the way’ and declined signing autographs 

Jessie was heard shouting at Adam to return to the car but looked in good spirits as she drove off, smiling and waving at the crowd

Jessie was heard shouting at Adam to return to the car but looked in good spirits as she drove off, smiling and waving at the crowd. 

MailOnline has contacted Adam’s representatives for comment.  

Also seen leaving the party was Natalie Cᴀssidy (Sonia) who looked in great spirits as she caught up with Molly Rainford (Anna Knight) no doubt delighted to let her hair down after acting out giving birth on the show. 

Louisa Lytton (Ruby Allen) also looked delighted as she headed home, having been seen looking devastated earlier on the show as her on-screen partner Martin was killed off. 

Fans 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.

Also seen leaving the party was Natalie Cᴀssidy (Sonia Fowler) who looked in great spirits as she caught up with Molly Rainford (Anna Knight)

Louisa Lytton (Ruby Allen) also looked delighted as she headed home, having been seen looking devastated earlier on the show as her on-screen partner Martin was killed off

Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) looked in good spirits as he headed home from the party

Sophie Khan (Priya Nandra-Hart) and Zaraah Abrahams (Chelsea Fox) looked ready for bed 

Read More EastEnders fans fume over Denise Fox’s decision as she chooses between Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati

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. 

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.

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.

Gillian Wright (Jean Slater Delroy Atkinson (Howie Danes) and Ross Boatman (Harvey Monroe) were loving life as they posed up a storm for the cameras 

Sonny Kendall (Tommy Moon) looked animated as he waved at the crowds while leaving  

Colin Salmon (George Knight) was seen chatting away with fans as he drove himself home 

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.’

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.

Matthew Morrison (Felix Baker) and Clair Norris (Bernadette Taylor) were taking advantage of the drinks on offer as they larked around drinking wine at the party 

Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) linked arms with a pal as they left the party together 

Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown) was also joined by a friend for the star-studded party 

EastEnders fans were left devastated as fan favourite Martin Fowler (James Bye) was killed off in tragic scenes during the 40th anniversary live episode

His death marked a devastating twist as Martin’s death came just moments after Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cᴀssidy) gave birth to her daughter Julia in the ruins of the Queen Vic

As Stacey hugged Martin’s lifeless body, his ex-wife Ruby – 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 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. 

‘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.’