LACEY Turner has revealed she “hasn’t stopped crying” since filming her final EastEnders scenes with James Bye.
EastEnders fans were left devastated during the live episode to celebrate its 40th anniversary when Martin Fowler – played by James, 41 – was killed off.
Lacey, 36, stars as Martin’s ex-wife Stacey Slater and after an explosion at the Queen Vic they confessed their love for each other and agreed to get married again.
But tragedy struck when Martin died after being crushed by a fallen beam.
Now Lacey – who welcomed her third child just five weeks before the live episode – has opened up about the aftermath.
Appearing on co-star Natalie Cassidy’s Off The Telly podcast, she said: “I’m still trying to get over it.
“It’s so overwhelming. It was crazy and such a lovely thing to be a part of.
“It was pretty epic, but bitter sweet for me. I’m heartbroken. It’s so weird because it feels like he’s actually died, I haven’t stopped crying.”
Lacey added: “I love the bones of that man – we didn’t stop hugging the moment he died.”
James’ next role has already been revealed – and it’s worlds away from Albert Square.
He will play iconic Jane Austen hero Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley.
Addressing his new role, James said: “I am leaving EastEnders on an absolute high after the explosive live 40th anniversary episode.
EastEnders’ James Bye reveals his wife’s reaction to soap exit – and the one demand he made to soap bosses
“After a decade of gritty storylines it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
And James – who took part in the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing – has been tipped to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house for the upcoming series.
