EastEnders fans have unveiled some grizzly clues that seem to suggest the legendary Martin Fowler (James Bye) could be killed off in the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations.
Martin was the first baby born in the BBC soap in July 1985, with his mother Pauline (Wendy Richard) discussing her pregnancy with Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) in the very first episode.
Their conversation is quickly interrupted by landlord Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), who barges into the surgery to use the telephone – neighbour Reg Cox was unconscious in his flat.
With the character’s history deep-rooted into EastEnders’ fabric, it’s only right that he plays a central part in the show’s big birthday bash.
Over recent months, Martin has been working tirelessly to save the Bridge Street Market from closure, and navigating a new life after discovering his ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) gave birth to their son two years ago.
Earlier this week, following Ruby’s botched scheme to blackmail the councillor responsible for approving the redevelopment, the Fowler/Beale fruit and veg stall was shut down on health and safety grounds.
To Martin’s horror, Councillor Barker had planted rat droppings underneath it. As he looked around the Square, he wondered what he had really achieved in life.
Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) launched one final attempt to save his livelihood, and surprisingly their efforts were successful.
Martin was delighted, and joined in Shrimpy’s (Ben Champniss) party to herald in a new era for the traders.
However, eagle-eyed viewers have spotted some potential foreshadowing that could lead to a devastating end for him.
Honey mentioned that Shrimpy had ordered a round of shots known as ‘Death Throes’, whilst Martin was cradling a plush toy of a duck that he’d won on Stratford arcades.
Fans have suggested that this could be a subtle hint at him becoming a ‘sitting duck’ – an obvious and easy target for an enemy to shoot or attack.
Rach wrote on X: ‘Everyone cheers-ing Martin with shots that have the word ‘death’ in their name doesn’t fill me with confidence for his anniversary-based safety btw.’
Another added: ‘WAIT! I’m wrong. It’s blatantly MARTIN who gets shot! Look at all the foreshadowing? (Last picture “a sitting duck”)…
‘But he’ll live (coz it’s EE’s OG baby Martin) and this is how we get Sue Tully’s OG Michelle back in town for the 40th!!!’
Speaking of shootings, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) eyed up Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) gun in last night’s episode.
Trying to track down the assailant who whacked her with a snow shovel on Christmas Day is becoming increasingly frustrating and complex, so she turned to the Walford hard man with a request to borrow his weapon.
Phil told her that he wasn’t prepared to help her as he’d never liked her, but she quickly jotted down the code to his safe – where the gun is kept – clearly in a bid to retrieve it at a later date.
Could Cindy accidentally shoot Martin?
It’s set to be an explosive February, with a landmark live episode marking the occasion. We’ll also finally find out who attacked Cindy.
On the day of Honey and Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) wedding, The Queen Vic pub will burn to the ground.
Plus, there’s a return of ‘Enders favourite Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) in the wake of Phil’s suicide attempt.
You won’t want to miss it!
