Martin Fowler (James Bye) was left feeling terribly awkward in tonight’s EastEnders after kissing Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
Martin’s life changed forever earlier this year when Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) returned. A few years ago, when she left Walford for prison, it was confirmed Ruby was pregnant with Martin’s baby.
And when Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was held in contempt of court in September, Chrissie (Tracy-Ann Oberman) confirmed she had seen a pregnant Ruby get moved to a mother and baby unit.
Initially, Martin and Stacey struggled to believe everything Ruby was saying after her consistent lies. While Ruby was telling the truth about having a baby, her boy being put up for adoption was a cover up story.
We later learnt that Martin and Ruby’s son Roman was in hospital experiencing problems with his liver.
In tonight’s episode, Martin and Ruby were back at the hospital preparing for Roman’s transplant operation.
Unfortunately, a doctor approached the parents and confirmed the liver donation was no longer going ahead.
This left Ruby utterly devastated. Moments later though, Martin told her that he will donate his liver to their son.
When Martin returned home, Stacey attempted to process the news. Their conversation was overheard by Lily (Lillia Turner), who reacted with anger over Martin’s generosity for someone he barely knows.
Lily’s anger was, perhaps unsurprisingly, masking her fear. She eventually opened up to Martin and said she doesn’t want anything bad to happen to him in surgery. He hugged Lily and said that wouldn’t be the case.
That evening, Stacey reflected on their day and helped Martin, who was anxious about the operation and the transplant potentially not even working.
Stacey smiled and told Martin that he’s amazing and she loves him. With their chemistry evident, Martin kissed Stacey on the cheek – but then got a metaphorical slap when he saw Stacey’s immediate reaction.
The awkwardness filling the air, Martin tried to tell Stacey that she always makes him feel better. She was appreciative, but couldn’t help express her hesitancies over committing to them getting back together.
Martin read the room and decided to exit, leaving Stacey regretful.
Ouch.
