EastEnders has released the first pictures of Martin Fowler’s funeral, ahead of the heartbreaking episode next month.

Martin was tragically killed in the aftermath of The Vic explosion in February, with actor James Bye’s final scenes airing during the live episode to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary.

As a legacy character and the first baby to be born on the show, Martin’s death has deeply impacted Walford, and the community has struggled to come to terms with his passing.

In Monday’s episode (March 31), Martin’s niece Vicki will return to the Square ahead of the funeral – raising a few eyebrows as she is joined by her new partner Ross and his son Joel.

Later next week, Martin’s daughter Bex pauses her travelling plans to come home and say goodbye to her dad alongside mum Sonia and the rest of her family.

With Martin’s funeral confirmed to take place on Monday, April 7, EastEnders has now released the first images from the sombre occasion, as Walford comes together to say goodbye to one of their own.

Martin’s coffin is carried by the likes of Harvey, Alfie, Ian, Peter and Zack, and they are heartbreakingly led into the church by a visibly emotional Bex.

She is clutching a framed photo of her late father, which is seen to be set down on top of his coffin as the service begins.

After completing her special role in proceedings, Bex sits down and is comforted by Sonia, who grabs her daughter’s hand while struggling herself.

The pair are joined by Kathy in the front pew – with the three women coming together next week to say a personal goodbye to Martin at the undertakers before the service.

Neither Ruby nor Stacey, Martin’s partner and ex-wife, can be seen in these initial photos. However, both Louisa Lytton and Lacey Turner were spotted in pictures from the filming of the funeral scenes.

Advanced spoilers have suggested that the former friends will play a major role in the emotional week, revealing that the pair will at first be at “loggerheads” in the aftermath of the funeral.