EastEnders bosses have recast Albert Square original Martin Fowler.
Jon Peyton Price and James Alexandrou have portrayed Martin Fowler on and off since 1985, but now James Bye will be taking on the role.
James Bye as Martin Fowler in EastEnders
© BBC
James Bye as Martin Fowler in EastEnders
Bye announced that "it is an honour" for him to be joining the cast of EastEnders.
"It's a huge opportunity for me to put my own stamp on an iconic character and I can't wait to get started," he added.
EastEnders producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said that the recasting had been undertaken with the endorsement of James Alexandrou, who played Martin from 1996 to 2007.
"With James Alexandrou's blessing - something which was very important to us - we have recast everyman Martin Fowler after extensive auditions," Treadwell-Collins said. "Martin is an EastEnders original - the first baby born on the Square and part of the show's roots - and, as we celebrate 30 years on Albert Square, it's important to look backwards as we move forwards.
"Our casting executive Julia Crampsie has found a genuine relatable London bloke in the talented James Bye - and we are sure that viewers old and new will soon warm to Martin Fowler's charms as he returns home to Walford."
Troubled Martin's most well-known storyline involved his marriage to Sonia (Natalie Cassidy), who recently returned to Albert Square when the couple's relationship hit a rough patch.
Martin will be attempting to repair his marriage when he shows up on the Square this winter.
New EastEnders cast addition Bye's previous screen credits include parts in The Great Train Robbery and The Hooligan Factory.
EastEnders insiders first tipped that a major character would be recast last week.
He does look quite like James Alexandrou
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