For decades, EastEnders has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its gripping storylines and unexpected twists. The show has become a staple of British television, delivering heart-wrenching drama and unforgettable exits that leave fans talking for years. For instance, when Natalie Cassidy announced her decision to leave after 32 years it had fans speculating how her character would be let go for weeks on end.
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Among these many memorable exits in EastEnders history, three stand out as some of the most shocking and unforgettable: Martin Fowler, Pauline Fowler and Max Branning. Each of these characters left a lasting impact on Albert Square, and their exits had fans reeling. Let’s take a closer look at these iconic departures and the real-life reasons behind them.
Martin Fowler’s death on EastEnders’: Why did James Bye leave?
Martin Fowler’s recent death left EastEnders fans in shock. James Bye took over the role of Martin Fowler from James Alexandrou in 2014, becoming a key figure in Albert Square for a decade.
After ten years of playing the beloved fruit and veg seller, James Bye bid farewell to the show in an emotionally charged storyline.
As per Metro.co.uk, his final moments saw him trapped under a collapsed metal beam, declaring his love for Stacey Slater before tragically passing away. His demise was a heartbreaking moment for fans who had followed his journey over the years.
Speaking about his departure, James Bye explained that the ‘time felt right’ for him to leave and 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. 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.
Show boss Chris Clenshaw also paid tribute to James Bye’s portrayal of Martin, calling his final performance ‘nothing short of outstanding’ and adding that it was an ‘emotional storyline that will cement itself in EastEnders’ history.’ He shared:
It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years.
Adding:
When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved.
Max Branning’s move to New Zealand: Why did Jake Wood depart and will he ever return?
Max Branning’s departure from EastEnders in 2021 was another unforgettable moment for fans. After fifteen years of drama, betrayals, and affairs, Max left Albert Square to reunite with his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand. Unlike many soap characters who meet grim fates, Max’s exit has left the door open for a potential return.
Jake Wood, who played Max, revealed that the decision for him to leave the show was ‘mutual’ and that he felt it was time for a new chapter. He told The Sun in 2021:
I've slept with 15 women in 15 years. I've had four marriages. Ten affairs. Shared a hot tub with Ian Beale. Gone to prison.
Been throttled by my brother. And been buried alive. It's time for Max to go.
Despite leaving, Jake admitted that saying goodbye to the show and his castmates was bittersweet. He shared:
It is always going to be strange leaving any job after 15 years, and I've always had a routine so that's weird now.
But it's been great spending more time with the kids, doing some home-schooling, and I'm looking forward to having a better work-life balance now.
So I am happy with the decision. I think it was the right one, but I am really pleased they're keeping the door open for me to return. Never say never, you never know.
However, in 2024, Jake sparked speculation about a possible return during an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. When presenters Ed Balls and Kate Garraway asked if he would ever reprise his role, he responded with a cryptic answer.
Ed Balls pressed further, asking what was more likely—Max Branning returning to EastEnders or Arsenal winning the Premier League. Jake Wood replied:
If you were to ask me which I’d prefer, I’d say for Arsenal to win the Premier League.
When asked again which was more likely, he added:
I hope Arsenal, Ed. I’ve got no plans to go back. They’ve kept the door open at EastEnders, it’s been three and a half years since I’ve not been there. It’s been a while, never say never.
With Max’s daughter Lauren back in Walford and new drama unfolding, fans are eagerly waiting to see if Jake Wood will step back into Max Branning’s shoes in the future.
Pauline Fowler’s tragic exit: Wendy Richard reveals why she said goodbye to the show
Pauline Fowler’s death on Christmas Day 2006 remains one of the most tragic exits in EastEnders history. The iconic character, who had been part of the show since its very first episode in 1985, collapsed in the snow after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The dramatic exit left fans devastated.
Wendy Richard, who playedPauline for 22 years, revealed that she chose to leave the soap after becoming unhappy with the direction of her character’s storyline. She was particularly dismayed by the decision to have Pauline remarry, believing it was completely out of character. She told MailOnline:
I just couldn't believe Pauline would remarry - anybody. And I just made myself ill fretting about it.
I had sleepless nights because I had never, ever had a crossword with anyone, ever, on that show - no artist at all.
The only time I have kicked off is when I have considered the scripts to have been factually incorrect. You have to keep it factual, you have to know your history, because people remember things.
I gave a third of my life to Pauline and you can't suddenly change your character and I wasn't having it.
She explained that the decision to marry Pauline off to newcomer Joe Macer felt ‘disloyal’ to her late on-screen husband, Arthur Fowler, and added:
I was so upset, because I didn't think it was right and when Kate told me that, I felt my heart break. I really did.
Despite her disappointment with the storyline, Wendy Richard stayed on the show for six months to film the wedding scenes before officially exiting.
This article has been created with the help of AI.
Read more:
EastEnders’ Sylvia Syms left behind a huge fortune: Details of her will revealed
EastEnders: From Letitia Dean to Peter Dean, what is the original cast doing now?
Sources used:
Mirror: EastEnders' most shocking moments - from the car lot killer to terror on the Thames
MailOnline: Wendy: Why I had to quit EastEnders
Metro.co.uk: Why EastEnders’ Martin Fowler died revealed
The Sun: ‘EastEnders’ Jake Wood says it was “time for Max to leave” after he bedded 15 women in 15 years and was buried alive
Metro.co.uk: Jake Wood gives cryptic three-word answer over EastEnders return
