EastEnders has heartbreakingly said goodbye to Martin Fowler (James Bye), who was mourned in poignant scenes.
The BBC One soap dedicated a week's worth of episodes to bid adieu to the legendary character after four decades. Fans will recall that Martin tragically succumbed to a cardiac arrest after being hit by a metal beam in The Queen Vic.
On Monday (April 7), Albert Square residents lined the streets to honour Martin as he took his last trip down Bridge Street, where he was renowned for selling fruit and veg.
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) appeared devastated as he assisted in carrying his cousin's coffin, while long-time friend Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) also looked on in sorrow.
After Martin's church service and burial, the Walford locals congregated in the community centre to commemorate their friend in scenes that aired on Tuesday, reports Plymouth Live.
The aftermath of Martin's funeral has left Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in deep grief, as she remains at odds with her romantic rival Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).
Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) recently returned to the Square to bid farewell to her uncle Martin, while Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) also came back to pay tribute to her beloved dad.
However, EastEnders fans have been left puzzled after Michelle Fowler failed to attend her younger brother's funeral.
Michelle Fowler, an original character portrayed by Susan Tulley in EastEnders' 1985 debut, has been notably absent from the soap. After a brief romance with Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham), Michelle gave birth to their daughter, Vicki.
She left Walford in 1995 and later revealed she had a son, Mark, with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp). Although Michelle returned to the show in 2016, Susan Tully chose not to reprise her role, and Jenna Russell took over for a little over a year before the character's disappearance.
Fans have expressed disappointment on X, with one user stating: "It really is a shame Michelle and Mark Jnr were not there especially Michelle #EastEnders @bbceastenders Sharon not facing the funeral also was bad."
Another fan asked: "How is Michelle Fowler not at her own brother's funeral? #EastEnders."
A third fan joined the conversation, saying: "Shame Michelle isn't back for Martin's funeral next week , be perfect reunion with Sharon #EastEnders."
One user jokingly pointed out: "A moment of reflection that Michelle Fowler actually attended the funeral of Abi Branning bringing her total funeral appearances to 1 #EastEnders".
Meanwhile, another user humorously speculated: "Sharon and Michelle having a catch up whilst everyone else is at the funeral: #EastEnders."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One
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