Soap star Lacey Turner has paid tribute to James Bye following his departure from EastEnders after ten years.

James, 40, took over the role of Martin Fowler in 2014 but the character was killed off last week during a live episode of the BBC show for its 40th anniversary. Some fans were left devastated over Martin’s death last Thursday and cast members later addressed co-star James leaving the show.

His colleague Lacey, 36 – whose character Stacey Slater was with Martin when he died – has since issued a statement herself. She posted it on Instagram this evening alongside photos of them together, which were taken ten years apart. The first showed James and Lacey in 2015, whilst the other showed them behind-the-scenes on a recent episode.

Lacey – who returned to EastEnders in 2014, after having previously been on the show from 2004 and 2010 – wrote about their friendship in the accompanying caption. She expressed her gratitude for James’ support and said that there were “no words” to describe how she was feeling.

She wrote in the post: “There are no words to describe how I feel! Thank you for holding my hand not only throughout the crazy, terrififing, amazing, heartbreaking experience of the live ep but for holding it for the last 10 years! On and off screen! My best mate, a proper partner in crime!” Lacey added: “We laughed everyday from the very beginning until the very end and for that I will be forever grateful! Here’s to you @jimmybye! You are one of a kind mate!” She then concluded: “Thank you for Martin Fowler what a bloke!”

James Bye in a black vest and a pair of jeans sat on a bench beside Lacey Turner in a white jumper and jeans in a promo photo for EastEnders in 2015.
Lacey Turner (right) has paid tribute to co-star James Bye (left), pictuted with her in 2015, following his departure from EastEnders ( 
Image:
We Love TV/BBC)
Last week, EastEnders viewers saw Martin pass away after being fatally injured following an explosion at the Queen Vic. He had been trying to rescue Stacey from the ruins of the pub when he was struck by a metal beam. Their loved ones, including Martin’s partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), had already escaped the building which was falling apart.

Martin became trapped underneath the beam and had to wait for paramedics to free him, with Stacey by his side throughout their efforts. The pair expressed their love for one another and discussed their potential future together. Stacey however ended up being warned by a paramedic that he could suffer a cardiac arrest, as a result of crush syndrome, once the beam was raised, and moments after it was eventually pulled off him, Martin died.

James Bye in a biege suit jacket with a blue shirt underneath and a maroon tie, alongside Lacey Turner in a black dress in a behind-the-scenes photo from EastEnders.
She wrote about their friendship in a post, alongside photos of them, including one from behind-the-scenes on a recent episode of the BBC show ( 
Image:
Instagram/@laceyturner)

Following his character’s death in the live episode, James issued a statement about his departure. He said: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude.”

He continued: “A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.”