James Bye has bid farewell to EastEnders in a truly unforgettable way, marking the end of Martin Fowler’s story with a dramatic and tragic exit.
The actor, who has portrayed Martin for over a decade, saw his character meet a devastating fate during EastEnders’ 40th-anniversary live episode,
where he was crushed beneath the rubble of the Queen Vic. His shocking departure has left fans reeling, but Bye already has exciting new plans for his career beyond Albert Square.
While EastEnders viewers are mourning Martin’s demise, Bye has wasted no time in securing his next major role.
He is set to take on the iconic character of Mr. Darcy in a stage adaptation of Death Comes to Pemberley.
The play is based on P.D. James’s best-selling novel, a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice,
and follows the lives of Elizabeth and Darcy as they navigate a shocking murder investigation. The book was previously adapted into a BBC mini-series starring Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin, but this will be the first time Bye steps into the role on stage.
Reflecting on his transition from EastEnders to theatre, Bye described the opportunity as “a breath of fresh air.” He admitted that while leaving Martin behind was bittersweet, he was eager to explore a character with an entirely different social standing. “Martin was the everyman, the people’s champion, but Mr. Darcy is from a completely different world—he’s powerful, wealthy, and full of pride,” Bye explained.
The actor also shared his excitement about delving into the complexities of Darcy, noting the contrast between the two characters. “Martin was open with his emotions, wearing his heart on his sleeve, whereas Darcy is much more reserved. He keeps everything bottled up, which presents an exciting challenge as an actor.” Bye confessed that he had long yearned for more dramatic and layered material during his time on EastEnders, and while he had the chance to explore Martin’s darker side for a brief period, he is eager to fully embrace the depth of Darcy’s character.
For fans wondering what to expect from his portrayal of Darcy, Bye emphasized that Death Comes to Pemberley picks up at a different stage in the character’s life compared to Pride and Prejudice. “Elizabeth and Darcy are now a solid unit, but they’re facing a new challenge—a murder that takes place on their land. The story revolves around how they navigate this crisis together,” he revealed. Despite the changes in circumstances, Bye reassured audiences that Darcy’s signature traits remain intact: “He is still Mr. Darcy—pragmatic, proud, and strong-willed.”
Bye will be joined on stage by Jamie-Rose Duke as Elizabeth Darcy, Celia Cruwys-Finnigan as Georgiana Darcy, and Endeavour star Sean Rigby as Colonel Fitzwilliam. Additional cast members include Paul Jerricho, Sam Woodhams, David Osmond, and Mogali Masuku, with further announcements expected soon.
The actor has already embraced his new role, with a first-look image of the cast in their Regency costumes recently released. Bye expressed his enthusiasm for the production, praising the script and the immersive experience it aims to create. “We have some incredibly talented musicians in the cast, and they’ll be incorporating live music into certain scenes. The audience is really going to feel like they’ve stepped back in time,” he said.
Unlike the fast-paced filming schedule of a soap opera, Bye acknowledged that working in theatre offers a welcome change of pace. With rehearsals set to begin in a month, he remarked, “Having time to really prepare for a role is a luxury compared to EastEnders!” He also hinted at a newfound appreciation for stage work, saying he would love to explore more theatre opportunities in the future.
Death Comes to Pemberley will premiere with a two-month run at The Mill at Sonning on May 1st before embarking on a tour. The play will be staged at various venues, including Windsor Theatre Royal, Cardiff New Theatre, Bath Theatre Royal, Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Bromley Churchill Theatre, Wycombe Swan, Brighton Theatre Royal, and Richmond Theatre. Theatre enthusiasts can secure their seats now through the official tour website or ATG Tickets.
As James Bye transitions from the bustling streets of Walford to the grandeur of Pemberley, fans can look forward to seeing him in an entirely new light. Though his time as Martin Fowler has come to an end, his next chapter promises to be just as compelling.
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