Former EastEnders actor James Bye has secured his first significant role since his character Martin Fowler was dramatically killed off the BBC soap earlier this year. The 41-year-old star is set to join the West End production of the supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story for its 2026 UK tour.
Soap Stars Unite on Stage
Bye will be starring alongside Gary Lucy, best known for his role as Luke Morgan in Hollyoaks, whose character also met a tragic end. The two soap icons will play the roles of Sam and Ben respectively in the acclaimed play. The official announcement came via the play's Instagram account, which revealed a new promotional poster featuring the cast.
The post enthusiastically declared: "INTRODUCING OUR 2026 SAM AND BEN. @jimmybye and Gary Lucy will be taking #222AGhostStory across the UK through 2026! Joined by @shvornemarks returning as Jenny and @natalielauracasey as Lauren."
Fan Excitement and Previous Roles
The casting news has generated significant excitement among theatre enthusiasts and soap fans alike. Social media responses included one person writing, "Amazing such a brilliant cast," while another added, "Can't wait. See you in Cardiff." A third fan celebrated the pairing, commenting, "This is a great duo! I'm gonna come watch!"
James Bye portrayed Martin Fowler on EastEnders from 2014 until the character's death in the soap's 40th anniversary episode, which aired on February 20, 2025. Martin died after being trapped by a falling steel beam during an explosion at the Queen Vic pub, sharing a final emotional moment with Stacey Slater.
Following his departure from Albert Square, Bye took on the role of Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes To Pemberley. Reflecting on his exit, Bye stated, "Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the show's epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right."
About the Production and Co-Star
2:22 A Ghost Story, written by Danny Robins, first premiered in the West End in 2021. The production earned a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play in 2022, establishing itself as a popular theatrical thriller.
Gary Lucy's character Luke Morgan was killed off in Hollyoaks in July 2022, suffering a fatal fall while in Mallorca for his stag do. His character's demise left viewers heartbroken, with one fan at the time expressing on social media: "So sad watching Luke fall to his death on his stag. What a way to kill him off."
The upcoming production marks a significant career move for both actors as they transition from television to live theatre, bringing their combined acting experience to audiences across the United Kingdom throughout 2026.
