A Heartbreaking Exit Still Fresh for Fans

James bowed out of EastEnders in February during the soap’s high-profile 40th anniversary week. His final scenes were some of the most emotional the show has ever aired. Martin became trapped under rubble in the Queen Vic after Reiss Colwell crashed his car into the building. As emergency crews tried to free him, Martin shared a raw, heartfelt conversation with Stacey Slater. The pair agreed to reunite, raising hopes that their broken relationship might finally heal.

Those hopes were crushed instantly. When the beam was lifted from his legs, Martin suffered fatal crush syndrome. His death devastated Stacey and left viewers shocked. Fans praised James’ final performance as one of the strongest in the show’s live history.

James later reflected on his exit, calling it the “right time” after 10 years in the role. He thanked the audience for their loyalty and described Martin as a character who would always hold a special place in his heart.

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From Walford Drama to the Stage

Since leaving the soap, James hasn’t stepped away from acting. Earlier this year, he appeared in Death Comes to Pemberley, marking his return to theatre. Now he is taking on a new challenge as Sam in 2:22 A Ghost Story, a modern thriller that has become a major hit since its 2021 debut.

The show has attracted a long list of famous faces, including Louisa Lytton, Kevin Clifton, Stacey Dooley, and James Buckley. James joins an ensemble cast featuring Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy, alongside Shvorne Marks and Natalie Casey. Their characters — Jenny, Ben, Lauren, and Sam — anchor a story about a couple convinced their house is haunted, while Sam refuses to believe the supernatural explanation.

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Moving Forward After a Defining Decade

James’ casting marks another milestone in his post-Walford career. His time on EastEnders included major storylines: a child swapped at birth, traumatic bereavements, a stalker plot, and his doomed romance with Robert Preston. His exit closed a significant chapter, but the response from fans and colleagues showed how deeply he impacted the show.

Now, with a fresh role in one of the UK’s most talked-about stage productions, James Bye is starting a new phase — one built on reinvention rather than tragedy.