EastEnders fans are convinced a much-loved Walford legend is set to make an appearance following the tragic death of Martin Fowler.
Iconic fruit and veg seller Martin (played by James Bye), who has been on the BBC soap for 40 years, was tragically killed off in heartbreaking scenes as The Queen Vic collapsed following the explosion.
As EastEnders’ 40th anniversary live episode kicked off on Thursday (February 20), Martin was fighting for his life after a metal beam landed on him and consequently crushed him.
Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) stayed with Martin and called for help, with the beam pinning him down as he screamed in pain. When paramedics arrived, he was given morphine for the pain as Stacey vowed to stand by him.
In a tense scene, Martin told Stacey once more he loved her and asked her to marry him again. Paramedics warned Stacey that Martin was at risk of crush syndrome, that could cause kidney issues and a cardiac arrest so to prepare herself, reports Plymouth Live.
When the beam was lifted off Martin’s legs he appeared to be doing so well, until he went into a sudden cardiac arrest. Paramedics battled to save his life but Martin didn’t respond.
Sadly at the end of the episode Martin was killed off in devastating scenes, with Stacey by his side as she screamed out.
EastEnders fans are now convinced Michelle Fowler will return to Walford in light of her younger brother’s death.
Michelle, originally played by Susan Tully, is Martin’s older sister, and was a regular on the show from the first episode in 1985 until 1995.
She was involved in an array of huge storylines including teenage pregnancy and controversial affairs with married men including Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham).
It was her lust for Den, the father of best friend Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), which brought baby Vicki Fowler onto the Square after she fell pregnant. Michelle also enjoyed a romance with kind-hearted barman Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt).
In 2016, Jenna Russell took over the role as Michelle when the character returned to Walford. But she didn’t stay around for long and departed two years later.
But EastEnders fans are now convinced Susan Tully will reprise her role as Michelle who will make her way back to the Square to bid farewell to Martin.
Taking to X, one person wrote: “They have to bring Michelle back for Martins funeral.. wouldn’t be right otherwise! #EastEnders.”
A second stated: “Martin deserved Julia’s theme. He was born on screen and died on screen. #EastEnders40 #Eastenders #eelive does that mean Michelle will be back?.”
A third added: “Fingers crossed we get a Susan Tully (Michelle) return for the funeral #EastEnders #EELive #EastEnders40.”
” I will accept no excuses when it comes to Michelle and Vicky’s attendance at Martin’s funeral. Sue Tully, this is your moment #EastEnders #EELive”, added another.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer