In a twist no one saw coming, former Walford favourite James Bye has broken his silence about life after the devastating death of Martin Fowler — and his surprising next move could shake the soap world to its core. Following February’s catastrophic Queen Vic explosion, which wiped Martin from the map and left fans stunned, James has finally opened up about what lies ahead. And his answer? Anything is possible.

Speaking candidly in a new interview with The Sun Online, James admitted he would be “a fool” to reject an offer from a rival soap if one came his way. Far from shying away from the idea, he embraced it with refreshing honesty. “It’s not about loyalty,” he said, making it absolutely clear that his admiration for the soap industry goes far beyond the walls of Albert Square.

James praised the entire world of serial dramas — not just the stars in front of the camera, but the tireless teams behind the scenes who make the magic happen. That respect, he insisted, is what keeps him open to every possibility. And considering he’s only ever worked within the East End, his perspective comes from years of genuine graft. Friends who’ve bounced between different soaps have told him the same thing: the work ethic is unmatched everywhere. With that in mind, how could he ever flat-out refuse?

That’s when he dropped the headline-making line: “If the other soaps are anything like EastEnders was, then I’d be a fool to say no.”
For viewers still mourning Martin Fowler’s loss, those words hit hard — but they also spark hope. A talent like James won’t stay off-screen for long, and whether it’s Emmerdale, Coronation Street, or Hollyoaks, fans would welcome him with open arms.

But here’s the twist Walford die-hards can’t ignore: death isn’t always the end. Not in this universe. With the BBC recently confirming the comeback of Pam St. Clement as Pat Butcher — and even Barry Evans returning as a festive ghost — the door to the afterlife is wide open. Could Martin Fowler be next to float back into the Square?

James didn’t rule it out for a second. In fact, he warmed to the idea. “You know what… just for the fans? I would,” he admitted, acknowledging how deeply Martin’s character resonated with viewers. He respects the legacy, the history, and the emotional weight that Martin carried. And if a storyline made sense — or even if it was simply a cheeky supernatural cameo — James would step back into Martin’s shoes without hesitation.

What truly strikes fans is how grounded he remains. There’s no bitterness, no drama — only gratitude and pride. He knows Martin’s presence still lingers in Walford, especially now that ghostly visions and memory-based returns have become powerful storytelling tools.

Right now, James is keeping every door wide open: a rival soap debut, a brand-new career direction, or even a spectral East End cameo. Whatever happens, one thing is certain — Martin Fowler may be gone, but James Bye’s impact is nowhere near finished. If anything, this feels like the beginning of his next big chapter… one filled with as much heart, grit, and shock value as anything he left behind in Albert Square.