Showbiz

James Bye’s next show revealed after devastating Martin Fowler death in EastEnders live episode – and it’s worlds away from Walford

James Bye’s next show revealed after devastating Martin Fowler death in EastEnders live episode – and it’s worlds away from Walford

James Bye’s next show has been revealed after his alter-ego Martin Fowler was killed off in EastEnders during the live episode last week. 

Fans of the BBC show were heartbroken when the fruit stall holder tragically died after the explosion in the Queen Vic. 

But they’ll be happy to know that he won’t be away for long. 

Speaking on Lorraine on Tuesday, Tyler West – who became good pals with the soap star during their time on Strictly together – revealed all. 

Tyler said: ‘It was such an incredible scene. But now his next career move has been announced.

‘He’s going to be playing none other than Mr Darcy in Death Comes to Pemberley.

James Bye's next show revealed after devastating Martin Fowler death in EastEnders live episode - and it's worlds away from Walford

James Bye’s next show revealed after devastating Martin Fowler death in EastEnders live episode – and it’s worlds away from Walford

Speaking on Lorraine on Tuesday, Tyler West - who became good pals with the soap star during their time on Strictly together - revealed his new role

Speaking on Lorraine on Tuesday, Tyler West – who became good pals with the soap star during their time on Strictly together – revealed his new role 

Fans of the BBC show were heartbroken when the fruit stall holder tragically died after the explosion in the Queen Vic last week

Fans of the BBC show were heartbroken when the fruit stall holder tragically died after the explosion in the Queen Vic last week

‘It’s like a stage production show that will be touring across the UK as well. 

‘James looks good as it!’ 

The ITV show then shared a picture of Colin Firth as Mr Darcy with James’ head edited on top. 

Tyler continued: ‘Me and James actually shared a dressing room on Strictly. He’s literally one of my closest. He’s one of the nicest people that I’ve ever met in the world of telly.

‘He looked exactly like that in the dressing room! 

‘I’m getting flashbacks right now. He had spanx on underneath, he made me put on his spanx. 

‘We’re very close, me and James.’  

James’ talent agency Revolution Talent also shared the news on Instagram.  

James' talent agency Revolution Talent also shared the news on Instagram before Tyler announced it on Lorraine

James’ talent agency Revolution Talent also shared the news on Instagram before Tyler announced it on Lorraine 

They wrote on their page: ‘James Bye will star as Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley. 

‘The production will open at The Mill at Sonning from 1st May – 28th June, before touring 8 venues across the UK.

‘Set six years after Pride And Prejudice, Elizabeth and Darcy’s lives are disrupted by a shocking murder…’ 

The new show, which is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, has been adapted by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff.

Speaking about the exciting new role, James has said: ‘After a decade of gritty storylines it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.’

The soap star will be joined by the likes of Jamie-Rose Duke, Celia Cruwys-Finnigan, Sean Rigby, Paul Jerricho, Mogali Masuki, Sam Woodhams and David Osmond. 

The cast will perform in Windsor, Cardif, Bath, Guildford, Bromley, Brighton and London. 

James said goodbye to his role on EastEnders last week.

The actor started to play Martin Fowler in EastEnders back in 2012.

James took over the role from James Alexandrou – who played the character between 1996 and 2007. 

Before that, Jon Peyton Price was Martin Fowler between 1985 and 1996. 

James’ wife Victoria – who he tied the knot with in 2012 – took to Instagram to share how proud she is of him after his stint on the Square.   

The pair started dating in 2008 and share four sons.

Victoria wrote: ‘Where to begin, what to say? You know I love a good waffle but to sum up 10 years on Eastenders in just a few words seems an impossible task. Because it’s been everything & more. Life changing in every way you could imagine.

‘I remember so clearly the week before he got the role. We were living up north & we went for a walk, pushing our first baby in his pram as we talked.

Read More EastEnders viewers ‘furious’ over the recasting of iconic character Vicki Fowler article image

 ‘Wondering what the future would hold. Wondering if things would change…. We had no idea.

‘To be a part of a show that the nation has grown up with, to play a character that people were going to take to their hearts, to grow both on & off screen into the family man we all know & love, surrounded by children (wild wife & all… ��)

‘It’s been a lot & we wouldn’t have had it any other way.

‘A rollercoaster of ‘duff duffs’. Friendships, laughter & tears… (ooh Martin did love a good cry) We’ll take them with us always. What a wonderful thing to have been a part of… We’ve been so lucky.

‘To James – Watching you on LIVE television with your partner in crime – the amazing @laceyturner was nothing short of incredible. What you’ve shown your boys you can do when you put your heart & soul into something is something they’ll never forget.

‘You were a professional to the end. Smiling through yours tears. Taking your final bow. And we’re all just so bloomin’ proud.

‘To everyone watching. Thank you. We’ve read every message. Every word of support. And your kindness means the world, truly.

‘Martin may be gone… but he’ll never be forgotten… (& who knows – maybe we’ll see him again – this is Enders – anything is possible! ��)

‘But for now, it’s goodbye to the nation’s favourite fruit & veg man. So long to The Square. Farewell to our Eastenders family…

‘And from us… well, it’s not goodbye – it’s see you later. For James, me, our 2 little blind dogs & our 4 lovely boys, it’s the end of one era – & the start of a new one.

‘We can’t wait to share the journey with you x

‘Ps. Can’t wait to fill you in on our next adventure… trust me, it’s quite possibly the most exciting (& daunting) thing we’ve ever done… but for now… here it is – the behind the scenes story… Enjoy x.’

Lorraine airs on ITV weekdays from 9am and is available to stream on .  

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