‘I Haven’t Stopped Crying!’ EastEnders’ Stacey Slater Star Speaks Out on Martin Fowler’s Shocking D.e.a.t.h!
James Bye filmed his final scenes as Martin Fowler during the live episode of EastEnders last week, in which he starred alongside Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater
Soap star Lacey Turner has revealed that she has not “stopped crying” since James Bye’s exit from EastEnders.
James, 40, filmed his final scenes as Martin Fowler in the BBC show’s live episode last week, in which the character was k.i.l.l.e.d off, after over a decade in the role. Lacey, 36 – who plays Stacey Slater – was by his side in the scenes. The actor paid tribute to her pal James – whom she has worked alongside since 2014 – in a statement released just a few days ago. It’s since been revealed that she’s found the experience “overwhelming” and has been crying over it.
Lacey opened up whilst a guest on an episode of the Off the Telly podcast which was released this week. She spoke to its hosts Natalie Cassidy, 41 – who plays Sonia Fowler on EastEnders – and Joanna Page, 47, about the live episode. Joanna – who starred on Gavin and Stacey – praised Lacey for her performance and noted that it came shortly after she welcomed her third child. She told her: “I can’t believe you managed to do all of that and you’ve just had a baby.”
Asked how it felt, Lacey said: “I’m still trying to get over it. It’s so overwhelming but … I mean, I don’t know. It was crazy.” She added in the conversation: “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 … isn’t an emotion for how I feel. I’m still sort of like ‘ahh, what just happened?'”
Lacey Turner (right) has opened up about her co-star James Bye (left) having filmed his final scenes on EastEnders in the live episode last week ( Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Joanna then asked if she was “sad” that Martin – who was introduced in 1985, which was the same year that EastEnders launched – had been k.i.l.l.e.d off. Lacey responded: “I’m heartbroken. It’s so weird because it feel like y’know he’s actually d.i.e.d. Isn’t it Nat? It’s so weird. I haven’t stopped crying.” Natalie added: “Yeah, Lacey’s not stopped crying.”
Natalie – who announced her own departure from the soap last month – said that “usually” when a cast member leaves it isn’t “so much of a secret” and teased that they could end up back on set even after their leaving date for reshoots. She however said about her colleague’s recent exit: “But it was so final [for James with the live episode].”
The comments come after Lacey reflected on her friendship with James in a tribute post earlier this week. Alongside photos of them, she wrote on Instagram: “There are no words to describe how I feel! Thank you for holding my hand not only throughout the crazy, terrififing, 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 everyday 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!”
