EASTENDERS has confirmed a key member of the Fowler family IS returning – following Martin’s tragic death.
The character – played by James Bye – passed away in tragic scenes during Thursday’s live episode to mark EastEnders’ 40th anniversary.
A key member of the Fowler family is returning to EastEnders following Martin’s death[/caption]
A preview of Monday’s episode saw Sonia calling her daughter Bex to tell her the devastating news[/caption]
Following his death, fans have speculated over which remaining members of the Fowler family will return for his funeral, which was pictured for the first time earlier on Sunday.
Bosses of the BBC soap went on to confirmed that Vicki Fowler – Martin’s niece – will be returning, but with a new actress taking on the role.
Now, EastEnders has confirmed fans’ hopes that Bex Fowler, Martin’s daughter, will return to Walford for his funeral.
Following a first look clip released on Sunday, showing Bex’s mum Sonia calling her daughter to give her the devastating news, Bex will jet in after years spent travelling the world to be with her mum and the rest of the family as they lay Martin to rest.
The tragedy will hit Bex hard as she tries to adjust to everything that’s happened in her absence, including Sonia’s incarceration for murder and the arrival of her newborn sister.
Actress Jasmine Armfield will reprise her role as Bex for a short stint, five years after leaving EastEnders in 2020.
Speaking of Bex’s return, EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jasmine home to EastEnders as part of Martin’s farewell.
“There’s no way that Bex would miss her dad’s funeral, and Sonia needs her eldest daughter more than ever.
“It’s been five years in which Bex has gone out into the world, so she’ll come back with renewed wisdom and experience.”
On her return as Bex Fowler, Jasmine Armfield said: “It’s wonderful to be back at EastEnders and to see so many familiar faces.
“It’s amazing for me to come home, but for Bex, it’s an absolutely devastating time because she’s lost her dad.
“She’s grown up a lot, having spent the past few years travelling, so we’re going to see a much more mature and grown-up version of Bex this time around.”
Soap characters who’ve been recast
Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.
Coronation Street
- Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy – most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
- Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail’s oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers’ Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
- Sarah Platt: Although Tina O’Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
- David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail’s children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
- Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow’s son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
- Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character’s shoes.
- Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
- Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
- Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
- Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.
EastEnders
- Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn’t always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
- Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale’s elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
- Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors – with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
- Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian’s younger son had been played by four other actors.
- Freddie Slater: Bobby’s best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
- Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
- Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who’d played her from 2006 to 2010.
- Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 – most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.
Bex left Albert Square in 2020 to go travelling[/caption]
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
