EastEnders is gearing up to say goodbye to Martin Fowler after the devastating events of the soap’s 40th anniversary week.

Last week, Martin actor James Bye and co-star Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, broke fans’ hearts when tragedy struck moments after they confessed their feelings for each other. Martin was crushed by a falling beam during the explosion at the Vic, subsequently going into cardiac arrest and dying, despite paramedics’ best efforts to revive him.

Walford will be bidding farewell to Martin in an upcoming episode, with  obtaining some pictures of the soap filming the sad scenes.

The images capture the Square’s homage to Martin, depicting a horse and carriage tribute to the market vendor, carrying a floral display spelling the word ‘Daddy’, as well as a picture of Martin in the back.

A member of the Fowler family will be returning to Walford after more than 20 years away to pay their respect to Martin.

Now played by Alice Haig, Vicki Fowler, who was last seen on-screen in 2004, is set to make an appearance to attend the funeral of her uncle Martin together with her boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and their son Joel (Max Murray).

“I am so excited,” Haig said of her EastEnders debut.

“I have always watched the show, and I was born in February 1985, so I’m the same age as EastEnders! It’s so cool to be playing a character like Vicki – we think we know her, but a lot has changed. I can’t wait for all the Albert Square drama ahead.”

Martin’s daughter Bex, played by Jasmine Armfield, will also be returning for a guest appearance.