EastEnders has released the first pictures of Martin Fowler’s funeral, ahead of the heartbreaking episode next month.

Martin was tragically killed in the aftermath of The Vic explosion in February, with actor James Bye’s final scenes airing during the live episode to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary.

As a legacy character and the first baby to be born on the show, Martin’s death has deeply impacted Walford, and the community has struggled to come to terms with his passing.

In Monday’s episode (March 31), Martin’s niece Vicki will return to the Square ahead of the funeral – raising a few eyebrows as she is joined by her new partner Ross and his son Joel.

Later next week, Martin’s daughter Bex pauses her travelling plans to come home and say goodbye to her dad alongside mum Sonia and the rest of her family.

With Martin’s funeral confirmed to take place on Monday, April 7, EastEnders has now released the first images from the sombre occasion, as Walford comes together to say goodbye to one of their own.

Martin’s coffin is carried by the likes of Harvey, Alfie, Ian, Peter and Zack, and they are heartbreakingly led into the church by a visibly emotional Bex.

She is clutching a framed photo of her late father, which is seen to be set down on top of his coffin as the service begins.

After completing her special role in proceedings, Bex sits down and is comforted by Sonia, who grabs her daughter’s hand while struggling herself.

The pair are joined by Kathy in the front pew – with the three women coming together next week to say a personal goodbye to Martin at the undertakers before the service.

BBC

Neither Ruby nor Stacey, Martin’s partner and ex-wife, can be seen in these initial photos. However, both Louisa Lytton and Lacey Turner were spotted in pictures from the filming of the funeral scenes.

Advanced spoilers have suggested that the former friends will play a major role in the emotional week, revealing that the pair will at first be at “loggerheads” in the aftermath of the funeral.

The wait is finally over for fans of Albert Square’s most beloved residents, as EastEnders has released the first heart-wrenching images of Martin Fowler’s funeral, a scene that promises to be one of the most emotionally charged episodes of the year. The pictures, which have been making the rounds on social media and entertainment websites, show the Fowler family in deep mourning, gathered at the iconic Albert Square church, where friends, family, and neighbors have come to pay their respects to the late Martin Fowler. The images are a poignant reminder that, even in Walford’s tough and often gritty world, there’s no shortage of love, grief, and humanity.

For those still reeling from the shocking live episode that saw Martin meet his untimely demise at the hands of Keanu Taylor, these photos offer a first glimpse into the aftermath of that fateful night. The scene is set in the familiar surroundings of the Albert Square church, its stone façade adorned with flowers, and the sound of mournful hymns filling the air. Inside, the pews are packed with familiar faces from across the Square – Denise Fowler (Diane Parish), Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and many more – all united in their grief. The pictures capture moments of raw emotion: Denise wracked with sobs, her face contorted in pain as she clutches a photo of Martin; Linda, her eyes red-rimmed, holding onto her husband Mick (Danny Dyer) for support; and Arthur Fowler’s (Bill Treacher) empty chair, a symbolic reminder of the grandfather who won’t be there to see his beloved Martin off.

The funeral itself is being touted as a “tribute to Martin’s life,” with EastEnders promising a mix of laughter, tears, and memories that will take viewers on a journey through the highs and lows of Martin’s turbulent but ultimately lovable existence. Insiders reveal that the episode will be woven together with flashbacks – key moments from Martin’s time on the show, from his early days as a rebellious teenager to his later years as a flawed but fiercely loyal family man. Expect to see clips of his romance with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), his antics as a new dad, and, of course, his countless run-ins with the law and various villains who’ve crossed his path over the years. It’s a clever narrative device, allowing the show to honor Martin’s complexity while giving fans a chance to relive some of the most iconic moments of his 13-year tenure on the show.

At the center of it all is Denise Fowler, Martin’s mother, whose grief is palpable in every scene. Actress Diane Parish has spoken extensively about the challenge of portraying Denise in the aftermath of Martin’s death. “It’s like losing a part of yourself,” she explained in a recent interview. “Denise has always been this strong, resilient woman, but this is different. This is her child. She’s lost her baby boy, and that pain doesn’t go away just because the cameras stop rolling.” Parish revealed that she’s been working closely with the show’s writers to ensure that Denise’s grief is authentic – not just the immediate, explosive sorrow but the long, drawn-out process of coming to terms with the loss. In the funeral scenes, Parish’s performance is heartbreaking, her body language conveying a mixture of shock, anger, and despair as she struggles to say goodbye.

One of the most striking images released by EastEnders shows Denise standing at the graveside, her hand clutching Martin’s coffin as the pallbearers – a mix of family and friends, including Keanu (Danny Walters), the man responsible for Martin’s death – lower him into the ground. It’s a moment that encapsulates the show’s genius in balancing tragedy with the very real, very human emotions that follow such a loss. Keanu’s presence, in particular, adds a layer of complexity to the scene. His guilt is written all over his face, a mix of remorse and self-loathing as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. Insiders hint that Keanu’s storyline post-Martin will be one of redemption – or at least an attempt at it – as he tries to find a way to live with what he’s done.

The funeral episode, which airs on [insert date], is being billed as a special “Martin Fowler tribute” and will feature several surprises for fans. One of the biggest reveals is the return of a familiar face from Martin’s past – his ex-wife, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), who hasn’t been seen on the Square for years. Sonia and Martin’s on-again, off-again relationship is one of EastEnders’ most beloved storylines, and her return is timed perfectly to coincide with the funeral. Insiders say Sonia will be arriving just in time to pay her respects, bringing with her a flood of memories and unresolved emotions that will reignite old tensions and spark new conflicts within the Fowler family. Cassidy has hinted that Sonia’s return won’t just be about mourning Martin but about confronting the unfinished business she’s left behind in Walford – including her complicated history with Denise.

Beyond the core Fowler family, the funeral becomes a microcosm of the entire Square’s reaction to Martin’s death. You see Phil Mitchell, normally a hard man, looking visibly shaken as he exchanges a few words with Denise; Ian Beale, who’s always had a soft spot for the Fowlers, is seen comforting Linda as she breaks down; and even Denise’s long-lost love, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), makes an appearance, highlighting the ripple effect Martin’s passing has had on everyone connected to him. It’s a masterclass in how EastEnders does what it does best – taking a single event and using it to explore the interconnected lives of its vast, sprawling cast.

For James Bye, the actor who brought Martin to life for over a decade, watching these scenes unfold has been both cathartic and emotional. Though his character may be gone, Bye knows that Martin’s legacy lives on through the people he’s touched – and that includes the entire viewing public. “It’s surreal, seeing them do his funeral,” he admits. “I knew it was coming, but when you see the family grieving like that… it hits you all over again. Martin might be gone, but his impact on those characters – and on the fans – is still so real.” Bye has been in close contact with the show’s writers and his former co-stars, offering insights into Martin’s backstory and personality to ensure the tribute feels authentic.

One of the most poignant moments in the released images is a shot of Martin’s coffin, adorned with a single, handwritten message on the lid: “My lovely boy.” It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about Denise’s love for her son. EastEnders is notorious for its attention to such minutiae, and this funeral episode is no exception. From the hymns chosen (reportedly including “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a favorite of Parish’s) to the eulogies being delivered by various characters, every element has been carefully curated to reflect Martin’s spirit – his flaws, his humor, and his unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

As the episode approaches, fans are already predicting it will be one of the biggest of the year. EastEnders has a long history of delivering powerful funeral scenes – think Steve Owen’s (Martin Kemp) in 1999 or, more recently, Archie Mitchell’s (Larry Lamb) in 2010 – but this one feels different. Martin’s death wasn’t just another plot twist; it was the culmination of years of storylines that saw him go from troubled teen to embattled family man, always fighting for those he cared about. His funeral becomes a moment of collective grief for the Square, a chance for its residents – and its viewers – to process the loss of someone who, despite his mistakes, was ultimately a good soul.

In the buildup to the episode, EastEnders has been teasing a “special something” for Martin’s service, something that will leave fans talking long after the credits roll. Rumors are circulating about a possible video tribute, featuring clips from Martin’s most iconic moments set to music – likely something from his beloved rock ‘n’ roll era, maybe even a Little Richard or Elvis track. Whatever it is, the show’s producers are confident it’ll be an emotional gut-punch, one that’ll have viewers reaching for the tissues.

When the episode finally airs, expect EastEnders to go all out in its promotion. The BBC has already announced a special pre-funeral documentary, “Martin Fowler: A Tribute,” which will air the night before, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and a retrospective look at Martin’s journey on the show. It’s a clever move, building anticipation while giving fans one last chance to relive some of the best (and worst) of Martin’s time in Walford.

For the cast, however, the real challenge begins after the funeral episode. EastEnders doesn’t just kill off characters and leave a vacuum; it has to rebuild, to show how the Square moves on without them. Denise, Linda, Sonia – all of them will have to navigate life without Martin, and that, insiders say, is where the real story begins. The funeral might be the emotional climax, but the aftermath will be the true test of the Fowler family’s strength. As Diane Parish puts it, “Martin’s death is the beginning of a new chapter for Denise, one where she has to learn to live without her son but keep his memory alive.”

In the end, Martin Fowler’s funeral isn’t just another EastEnders plot point; it’s a celebration of a character who, despite his flaws, became a part of British television history. It’s a reminder that, no matter how tough Walford can be, at its heart lies a community bound by love, loss, and the shared experience of living on the edge. When the episode airs, millions will gather around their screens, not just to mourn Martin but to honor the very essence of what EastEnders has always been about – storytelling that cuts deep, hurts sometimes, but ultimately reminds us of our shared humanity.

As one fan succinctly put it on Twitter, “Martin might be gone, but his spirit will live on in Walford – and in our hearts.” For EastEnders, that’s the greatest tribute of all.

In the days leading up to the funeral episode, the Square itself will be buzzing with anticipation. Expect to see more subtle hints at Martin’s absence – empty chairs at the Vic, whispered conversations at the market, and, of course, the Fowler family’s slow, painful process of coming to terms with their loss. It’s a testament to the show’s writing team that they’ve managed to weave Martin’s death so seamlessly into the fabric of Walford life, making it feel less like a plot device and more like a genuine, community-wide tragedy.

When the time finally comes to say goodbye, one thing is certain: EastEnders will deliver an episode that will stay with viewers for a long, long time. It won’t just be about Martin Fowler; it’ll be about the people he left behind, the memories he made, and the indelible mark he left on Albert Square. As Bill Treacher, the show’s legendary Arthur Fowler, once said in an interview, “In Walford, you don’t just bury your dead – you celebrate their lives.” For Martin, that celebration will be bigger than most.

And so, on that cold, grey Walford morning, as the rain falls softly on the mourners gathered outside the church, one phrase keeps echoing through the minds of fans and cast alike: “This is for Martin.” It’s a simple dedication, but one that captures the essence of why EastEnders works – because, in the end, it’s not just about the drama or the deaths or the scandals; it’s about the people, flawed and lovable, who make us feel seen, heard, and remembered.

The cameras will roll, the credits will fade, but the memory of Martin Fowler will stay with us, forever etched in the history of Albert Square.