Soap enthusiasts were left devastated when the much-loved character Martin Fowler was written out of EastEnders during the 40th anniversary special episode.
Martin, a long-standing figure on Albert Square with his fruit and veg stall, met a tragic end when a car ploughed into the Queen Vic. This week saw the square bid farewell to the treasured character as his funeral was broadcast in Monday's (April 7) episode.
As anticipated, the episode was packed with drama. From Stacey Slater, Martin's former flame and true love, grappling with her grief and clashing with her daughter, to the return of Vicki Fowler causing a stir - there was plenty happening.
However, amidst the turmoil and sorrow, viewers found themselves distracted by another pivotal scene at the funeral, centred around the Knight family. Fans couldn't help but chuckle.
One viewer took to X, posting a clip from the episode, commenting: "Martin was so special to everyone on the square, ar Anna's not coping."
In the shared clip, Anna is heard saying: "I can't look at a banana without seeing his face" - an obvious nod to his profession. Her unexpected line left those around her taken aback and had viewers in fits of laughter.
Some felt it provided the "light and shade" the sombre episode required, while others found it distracting. Many people took to social media to share their thoughts on the matter.
One fan commented: "I did laugh at this bit to be fair." Another chimed in with: "I can't stop watching this."
A different post had a viewer noting: "This was such a perfect little bit of humour in the episode. Had so many of these kinds of moments during intense sadness where something so silly is exactly what you need to hear."
Another person echoed the sentiment, saying: "More of this light humour more often in heavy scenes." However, not all viewers were on board, with one stating: "Nah - not this time. It was just crass - from people who knew him the least."
Martin Fowler first graced the soap in 1985, and was portrayed by various actors throughout the years. Initially played by Jon Peyton-Price until 1996, followed by James Alexandrou up to 2007, it was James Bye who then stepped into Martin's shoes in 2014.
He remained until the character's demise in the show's 40th anniversary live episode. Fans have expressed their heartache at his sudden exit this year, having seen Martin as a core part of the soap for decades.
Martin's startling admission of his love for Stacey came just before he passed away, despite his recent patch-up with former flame, Ruby Allen. Stacey's absence post-Martin's death has left the onus on Ruby to take charge of the funeral arrangements.
With Stacey's absence, her eldest child Lily has been wrestling with her loss solo, leading to frayed tempers and mounting tension in the episode broadcast on Monday (April 7).
How will the square manage after the heartbreaking loss of Martin? It seems only time will tell.
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