The original Martin Fowler from EastEnders has made somewhat of a comeback into our collective consciousness after he appeared in the newest series of BBC hit drama Call the Midwife playing an expectant dad.
We couldn’t believe our eyes and clearly we were not alone, as fans took to social media to share their shock at seeing James Alexandrou on our screens once more.
One person tweeted, “I’ve spent most of this episode trying to work out where I recognise the guy from - it’s only bloody Martin Fowler!!! #CallTheMidwife”.
Another wrote, “Just realised from the credits that one of the 'new dads' in this week's #CalltheMidwife was Martin Fowler (#2 I think?) in EastEnders. How is it I can retain useful information like that?!”
A third joked, “I'd keep an eye on Martin Fowler in that van... he's got previous for bad driving. #callthemidwife”.
The EastEnders star left the show after a whirlwind decade on our screens. From petty theft to getting Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy) pregnant, and breaking our hearts when he ran over and killed Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder).
He had a right time of it during his stint in Albert Square so we thought we’d take a look back at the character’s history and what the soap star has been up to for the last 16 years.
What happened to Martin Fowler?
James played Martin from 1996 to 2007 and during his time on the show he welcomed his daughter into the world (although Martin and Sonia didn't know about the pregnancy until she went into labour), he ran over and killed Jamie, he married Sonia and was stabbed by his stalker Sarah Cairns (Alison Pargeter).
However his marriage to Sonia hit the rocks after her affair with Naomi Julien (Petra Letang). It then took a turn when she discovered that Martin had been secretly visiting their daughter and Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) lied about having a brain tumour so their marriage would end.
After Pauline's death, Martin and Sonia left Walford with their daughter Rebecca and travelled across America.
Why did they change the Martin Fowler actor?
Well, James’ departure was announced in the spring of 2006. The Beeb announced that he would be off our screens by the next summer. In a statement, he said that the reason that he left the show was to explore other career opportunities.
"I've decided to leave the show to experience other aspects of my industry. Having turned 21 I felt it was an apt time to leave. I owe everything to the show and would love to come back one day - that is if EastEnders would have me," he said at the time.
However, it wasn’t meant to be. Apparently, James was approached to join the cast again in 2014 but he declined. James Bye was eventually cast and it has been rumoured that his predecessor gave his blessing.
On taking over the role James said, "It's a huge opportunity for me to put my own stamp onto an iconic character and I can't wait to get started."
How many Martin Fowlers have there been in EastEnders?
There have been a grand total of three actors.
He was first played by Jon Peyton-Price, who joined the cast as a baby when Martin was the first child born in the Square. He was then played by James for 10 years from 1996 until 2007, and then Martin was recast as James who made his first appearance in 2014 and has been on our screens ever since.
What else has James Alexandrou been in?
As well as EastEnders and Call the Midwife, James has appeared on Casualty and Silent Witness. A lot of his work has revolved around the stage. He has performed in a number of Shakespeare plays.
His Instagram and Twitter bios also describe him as a a “filmmaker” which suggests that he likes being behind the camera as well as in front and has directed and produced music videos. Not too bad for a former Albert Square resident.
How old is James Alexandrou?
He is 38. He was born on 12 April 1985.