Lacey Turner has revealed that she has been deeply emotional since the departure of her EastEnders co-star James Bye, 

admitting that she has “not stopped crying” following his exit from the long-running BBC soap.

James, 40, who had played Martin Fowler for over a decade, recently filmed his final scenes as part of EastEnders’ dramatic live episode. 

His character was tragically killed off, marking a significant moment in the soap’s history. 

Lacey, 36, who portrays Stacey Slater, shared the screen with him in these pivotal scenes, making his departure even more personal and emotional for her.

The actress, who has worked alongside James since 2014, recently opened up about how overwhelming the experience has been. 

Speaking on the Off the Telly podcast, hosted by her fellow EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, 41 (who plays Sonia Fowler), and Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, 47, Lacey expressed her emotions surrounding James’ final episode.

Joanna praised Lacey’s performance in the live episode, particularly noting how impressive it was given that she had recently welcomed her third child. She said: “I can’t believe you managed to do all of that and you’ve just had a baby.”

Lacey admitted that she was still processing the experience. “I’m still trying to get over it. It’s so overwhelming but … I mean, I don’t know. It was crazy,” she said. Reflecting on the intensity of the live episode, she continued, “It was just such a lovely thing to be a part of, and the camaraderie of that place and the adrenaline, so it was pretty epic. But bittersweet, for me. So it was a bit … like I don’t really know … there isn’t an emotion for how I feel. I’m still sort of like ‘ahh, what just happened?'”

Joanna then asked if she felt sad about the character of Martin being killed off after decades on the show. Lacey responded with heartfelt honesty: “I’m heartbroken. It’s so weird because it feels like, you know, he’s actually died. Isn’t it, Nat? It’s so weird. I haven’t stopped crying.”

Natalie confirmed Lacey’s emotional state, adding, “Yeah, Lacey’s not stopped crying.”

Natalie, who herself announced her departure from EastEnders last month, acknowledged that when actors leave the soap, there is often a sense of possibility that they could return for reshoots or other appearances. However, James’ exit was notably different. “Usually, when someone leaves, it’s not so much of a secret, and they might even come back for reshoots. But it was so final for James with the live episode,” she explained.

Lacey’s grief over James’ departure was also evident in a heartfelt tribute she shared on social media. Posting a series of photos of them together, she wrote: “There are no words to describe how I feel! Thank you for holding my hand not only throughout the crazy, terrifying, amazing, heartbreaking experience of the live ep but for holding it for the last 10 years! On and off screen!”

She continued: “My best mate, a proper partner in crime! We laughed every day from the very beginning until the very end, and for that, I will be forever grateful! Here’s to you @jimmybye! You are one of a kind, mate! Thank you for Martin Fowler—what a bloke!”

James Bye first took on the role of Martin Fowler in 2014, following in the footsteps of previous actors who had played the character since his introduction in 1985. Over the years, Martin became a central figure in Albert Square, experiencing dramatic storylines that included marriages, family feuds, and legal troubles. His recent departure marks a significant shift in the soap’s narrative, leaving fans and cast members alike reeling from the loss.

The emotional toll of James’ exit is clearly being felt by Lacey, who has developed a strong professional and personal bond with him over the years. As EastEnders continues without Martin Fowler, viewers will undoubtedly feel the impact of his absence, just as Lacey and the rest of the cast do.

Despite the sorrow surrounding James’ departure, Lacey’s words serve as a testament to their enduring friendship and the deep connections formed on set. As the show moves forward, fans will eagerly watch to see how Stacey Slater copes with the loss of Martin and what lies ahead for her character in Albert Square.

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