Martin Fowler – played by James Bye – was killed off during the live episode of EastEnders for its 40th anniversary, with Ruby Allen – played by Louisa Lytton – devastated over it

Cast member Louisa Lytton has addressed her co-star James Bye’s emotional departure from EastEnders.

The BBC show celebrated its 40th anniversary throughout this week, including in a live episode on Thursday. It saw long-running character Martin Fowler – played by James, 40 – killed off following an explosion at the Queen Vic pub.

Fans shared their heartache over the storyline and some of James’ colleagues have also addressed him leaving the show. It includes Louisa, 36, whose character Ruby Allen has been dating Martin following her return last year.

Louisa posted behind-the-scenes photos from the episode on her Instagram Story following its broadcast, including one of herself stood beside James. The co-stars were seen hugging whilst inside the show’s set for the damaged pub.

The actor – who first worked with James in 2018 – expressed her sadness over his exit from EastEnders in the caption. Alongside an emoji depicting a broken heart, Louisa wrote in her post: “No words really.” She also tagged James in it.

Earlier this week, viewers saw Ruby and Martin stuck inside the Queen Vic following the explosion, alongside the likes of his ex-wife Stacey. Martin helped several loved ones escape, including Ruby, but he remained inside to help free Stacey, who had become trapped further inside the building.

Louisa Lytton was among the cast members in EastEnders’ live episode on Thursday ( 
Image:
Instagram/louisanastrilytton)

She’s since addressed her co-star James Bye leaving the show ( 
Image:
Instagram/louisanastrilytton)
Later, as they eventually made their way towards an exit, Martin was struck by a metal beam. It crushed his legs and he was seen struggling to breathe when paramedics and firefighters worked to rescue him. Whilst they waited, Martin and Stacey – who are both said to have been given “code names” in the script, concealing their identities – expressed their love for each other and planned a future together, with him even proposing marriage to her.

Martin however died after the beam was lifted off his legs towards the end of the episode. Stacey had been warned that he was at risk of cardiac arrest in the procedure as a result of crush syndrome. Ruby, who like Stacey has a child with Martin, was among the concerned other residents outside the pub, awaiting updates on the situation inside it. She seemingly received confirmation of his death when Stacey screamed and was then seen falling to the floor herself shortly before the episode’s end credits began.

Following the news of his departure, James said in a statement: “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.”