EastEnders star Ross Boatman has paid tribute to Walford legend Martin Fowler after actor James Bye left the soap last month.
Martin was k.i.l.l.e.d in the aftermath of the explosion that ripped through the Queen Vic as part of the soap’s 40th anniversary episodes.
Fans saw him share an emotional reunion with ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) as he lay trapped under a steam beam in the barrel store.
While they made plans to spend the rest of their lives together, it was not to be, as when the beam was lifted, toxins flooded his system and he d.i.e.d.
The Slater family have been struggling to process the news, with Harvey Monroe – who Ross plays – feeling pushed out by them and his partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright).
Discussing the impact of Martin’s d.e.a.t.h, Ross hailed the ‘loveable’ character as a ‘central figure in the community’.
He said: ‘The Fowlers are a family that have been there from the start. The fruit and veg stall he ran is a centre piece of the market, so he is so badly missed by the characters on the Square.
‘He was such a loveable, kind, caring, happy-go-lucky guy, so it’s a big loss to all of them.’
In recent days, Harvey has supported his friend and Martin’s aunt Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) through her grief – reigniting the romantic spark between them after they shared a secret kiss last year.
Ross reveals: ‘Kathy needs someone to confide in too as she’s also at a bit of low with all the stuff going on with Cindy. Kathy is sympathetic towards Harvey and he picks up on that and it’s nice for him; it gives him a sense of comfort and support.
‘Harvey has always harboured some feelings towards Kathy. She is someone he’s always been rather drawn to since he arrived – he even took her out on a date in the Square for a bag of chips!’
Discussing the kiss they share later this week when Harvey arranges a picnic at the allotments to cheer Kathy up, Ross continues: ‘He’s always had a thing for Kathy but he buried that when she got with his best mate [Rocky] and he has a relationship of his own, so whether it goes anywhere or not remains to be seen…’
Of sharing those scenes will Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy, Ross adds: ‘It’s an honour to work with Gillian, she’s just a wonderful human being and a tremendous actress. Despite being an iconic figure not just as Kathy but as Gilly too, she is a pleasure to work with.
‘You come onto set and you’re surrounded by dozens of people, and she knows everyone’s name from the runners, to the make-up artists, to the sound engineers. She’s always got a kind word to say about everyone.’
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
