EastEnders is set to air emotional scenes in memory of Martin Fowler (James Bye) next week.

As viewers of the BBC One soap will remember, Martin met his end during the 40th anniversary week in February.

Ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) had been harbouring her feelings for him for weeks, and when she finally confessed, he made it clearly that his heart was with other ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).

Just moments later, flames tore through The Queen Vic pub and the two found themselves in a perilous situation.

Realising that he was dying, Martin admitted that he did still hold a card for Stacey, and they mapped out what their life might look like if he survived.

She then cradled his lifeless body, which had succumbed to crush syndrome.

In the aftermath she’s struggled immensely with grief, locking herself away in her bedroom and fleeing to stay with a number of relatives.

However, after breaking down in front of her children, she realised that she needed to think towards the future. Upon her return she’s gained a fresh perspective on life, wanting to live each day on Martin’s behalf.

The Slater clan received quite the surprise last week when his life insurance policy was paid out, and Stacey wanted to give the cash to cousin Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) to pay for a deposit on The Queen Vic pub.

It’s in the boozer that everyone gathers next week to remember Martin one what would’ve been his 40th birthday.

Long-term fans will remember that he was the first baby to be born in the show, with mum Pauline (Wendy Richard) discovering she was pregnant in the very first episode.

Spoiler pictures show Martin’s children, Arthur and Hope, gathered around a table with a birthday cake as his nearest and dearest watch on.