EastEnders star James Bye has asked fans to give him a chance in the role of Martin Fowler.
Martin was played by James Alexandrou from 1996 to 2007, with Bye taking over the role last year.
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James Bye as Martin Fowler in EastEnders
© BBC / Kieron McCarron
James Bye as Martin Fowler
Speaking about the recast on This Morning today (March 20), Bye said: "They are enormous shoes as James Alexandrou, who played Martin previously, did such a great job.
"Obviously he was on it for quite a long time, so fans who watch EastEnders are going to still see him and say, 'That's Martin Fowler'.
"I still see him as Martin Fowler. So I can understand that people are maybe upset, although that is probably a bit strong. All I ask is that they give me a chance."
Bye also heaped praise upon actress Lindsey Coulson, who plays Martin's mother-in-law Carol Jackson.
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Martin tells Rebecca she should live with Sonia.
© BBC
Martin tells Rebecca she should live with Sonia
He said: "All of the actors on EastEnders are great but some of them are amazing. I was saying before that one of my favourite actresses away from EastEnders, and in it, is Lindsey Coulson. I get to do quite a lot of stuff with her and she is brilliant."
Speaking about Martin's secret, which viewers will see revealed on screen next week, Bye added: "He does have a big secret and that definitely affects the Sonia and Rebecca situation.
"He is just a family man. He goes off the rails but he just wants to be back with Rebecca and have that 2.4 children relationship."