Hot on the heels of the news that Vicki Fowler will return to EastEnders for Martin’s (James Bye) funeral, it has been confirmed that his daughter Bex will also be in attendance to say an emotional goodbye.
Jasmine Armfield has reprised her role after five years away, and will be back for a short stint as audiences see how a more mature Bex navigates the grief of losing her dad in such a sudden and brutal way.
Devastated Bex will jet in after years spent travelling the world to be with her mum, Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) and the rest of the family as they lay Martin to rest.
The tragedy will hit Bex hard as she tries to adjust to everything that’s happened in her absence, including Sonia’s incarceration for murder and the arrival of her newborn sister.
‘It’s wonderful to be back at EastEnders and to see so many familiar faces,’ actress Jasmine enthused.
‘It’s amazing for me to come home, but for Bex, it’s an absolutely devastating time because she’s lost her dad.
‘She’s grown up a lot, having spent the past few years travelling, so we’re going to see a much more mature and grown-up version of Bex this time around.’
EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Jasmine home to EastEnders as part of Martin’s farewell.
‘There’s no way that Bex would miss her dad’s funeral, and Sonia needs her eldest daughter more than ever.
‘It’s been five years in which Bex has gone out into the world, so she’ll come back with renewed wisdom and experience.’
The heartbreaking funeral will be a tough one to watch with characters and fans alike being hit hard by the loss of Martin.
The departure does herald fresh faces as well as familiar ones as a re-cast Vicki, played now by Alice Haig, will be joined by new boyfriend Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) along with her son Joel (Max Murray).
Of her casting, she said: ‘I am so excited. I have always watched the show, and I was born in February 1985, so I’m the same age as EastEnders!
‘It’s so cool to be playing a character like Vicki – we think we know her, but a lot has changed. I can’t wait for all the Albert Square drama ahead.’
