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EastEnders marks the anniversary of one of the most controversial deaths | Soaps
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Walford lost one of its most iconic residents.
Next week, EastEnders will be marking the anniversary of Martin Fowler’s devastating death, a moment that still feels raw for both the Square and viewers at home.
Martin was killed off during the show’s explosive 40th anniversary live episode in February 2025. And it wasn’t a quiet exit.
During a dramatic explosion at The Queen Vic, Martin became trapped under a fallen beam while trying to save his ex-wife, Stacey Slater. In heartbreaking scenes broadcast live, he was crushed beneath the debris as chaos unfolded around him.
In his final moments, Martin confessed that he still loved Stacey and asked her to marry him again. It was classic EastEnders, romantic, tragic and completely gut-wrenching.
When paramedics finally lifted the beam, the release of toxins from his crushed legs triggered cardiac arrest. Despite desperate attempts to save him, Martin died in front of Stacey.
It was a shocking end for a character who had literally grown up on the Square.
Born on-screen in 1985 to original EastEnders legends Pauline and Arthur Fowler, Martin’s death marked the end of a 40-year chapter for one of Walford’s most historic families.
Actor James Bye, who had played Martin since 2014, chose to leave the show after 10 years to pursue new projects, including the stage production Death Comes to Pemberley. His final performance in the live episode was widely praised, with viewers and critics calling it one of the most powerful exits the show has ever delivered.
Next week’s emotional episode sees Lily struggling as the anniversary brings everything flooding back. Martin’s death left a huge hole in her life, having grown up with Martin as her father figure.
Sam steps up to support her. Sam is preparing to leave Walford and head back to Spain. But before she goes, she makes sure Lily isn’t facing such a painful day alone, as Stacey is still in Brazil.
Sam and Lily share a heartfelt conversation about Martin, loss and how life looks after someone you love is suddenly gone. And it has a big impact on Sam.
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As she comforts Lily, Sam begins to reflect on her own situation. She’s been battling breast cancer and planning to return to Spain, but the heart-to-heart makes her realise something important: she needs her family more than she’s been willing to admit.
Watching Lily navigate grief reminds Sam how fragile everything is. Life can change in a second, just like it did the night of the Vic explosion.
By the end of the episode, Sam is left questioning whether walking away is really what she wants. Is Spain the fresh start she needs, or is the support system she’s been overlooking right here in Walford?
As the Square remembers Martin Fowler, it’s clear his loss still echoes through Albert Square.
And for Sam, the anniversary might just change the course of her future too.
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