James Bye

James Edward Bye (born 23 February 1984) is an English actor who played Martin Fowler in EastEnders from 2014 to 2025. He also competed in series 20 of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.

Early life James Edward Bye was born on 23 February 1984 in Basingstoke, to parents Leonard and Pauline. He has a younger sister. His character was killed off during the live episode of the show's 40th anniversary on 20 February 2025, with Bye consequently departing the series. In 2022, he competed in series 20 of the dancing show Strictly Come Dancing. He played Mr. Darcy in the stage adaptation of P. D. James's mystery novel Death Comes to Pemberley (a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice), which toured the UK from 1 May to 13 September 2025.

Personal life Bye married his wife Victoria in 2012..

Filmography +Film Year Title Role 2010 Cemetery Junction Tough Guy in Club 2013 Hummingbird Football Supporter 2 2014 The Hooligan Factory Pete The Killer

+Television Year Title Role Notes 2006 The Bill Tom Burrows Episode: "Special Relationships" 2013 The Great Train Robbery John Daly Episodes: "A Robber's Tale" and "A Copper's Tale" 2014–2025 EastEnders Martin Fowler Regular role; 1,048 episodes 2016 Children in Need 2016 Performer Segment: "Film Tribute" 2020 Pointless Celebrities Himself / Contestant Episode: "Soaps" EastEnders: Secrets from the Square Himself Episode: "Martin and Kush" 2021 The Wall Versus Celebrities Himself / Contestant Episode: "EastEnders Christmas Special" 2022 Strictly Come Dancing Series 20 2023 The Hit List Episode: "Strictly Come Dancing Special" Richard Osman's House of Games Series 7 (Week 9) 2024 The Weakest Link Episode: "Strictly Come Dancing Special" 2025 Homes Under the Hammer Himself / Presenter Episode: "Celebrity Special with Martel and James Bye"

Stage Year Title Role Notes 2025 Death Comes to Pemberley Mr. Darcy UK tour

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result 2016 British Soap Awards Best Actor EastEnders 2016 Inside Soap Awards Best Actor 2016 Inside Soap Awards Best Partnership (with Lacey Turner) 2017 British Soap Awards Best On-Screen Partnership (with Lacey Turner) 2017 Digital Spy Reader Awards Best Soap Relationship (with Lacey Turner) 2020 National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance 2020 Inside Soap Awards Best Actor 2022 Inside Soap Awards Best Double Act (with James Farrar) 2025 Inside Soap Awards Best Exit