BBC Eastenders fans claimed they were “calling Ofcom” after “traumatising” scenes aired last week
EastEnders: The Queen Vic explodes
EastEnders fans were left reeling in shock and insisted they were all going to “call Ofcom” after witnessing the harrowing death of Martin Fowler on the show.
Social media was awash with comments from BBC viewers who shared their dismay over the untimely passing of the long-serving character, Martin, the victim of a catastrophic accident involving an iron beam.
In an episode filled with heartbreak, the well-loved Walford resident said an emotional goodbye to his on-again, off-again love Stacey Slater in the midst of a live broadcast.
The poignant scenes that followed showed Martin declaring his undying affection for Stacey and asking her to marry him, only for him to be struck down by a fatal heart attack moments later.
The tear-jerking episode had viewers reaching for tissues as some joked they would need to “call in sick” just to come to terms with Martin’s departure from the show, reports Birmingham Live.
READ MORE: BBC EastEnders fans make demand to ‘make up’ for death as soap returns after live episodeREAD MORE: BBC EastEnders star James Bye confirms ‘new chapter’ after heartbreaking Martin Fowler exit
One amused viewer even posted a video of a crowded escalator on X – formerly Twitter – captioning it humorously: “The whole of the UK right now on their way to complain to Ofcom for killing off our beloved Martin.”
A second viewer was set on making a complaint: “Ringing Ofcom to claim compensation for the EastEnders writers killing off Martin.” While a third declared their intention to mourn the star: “Will be taking compassionate leave from work for at least 10 working days to grieve the dearly departed Martin Fowler.”
Another viewer shared how upsetting the experience was: “Can I write an Ofcom complaint about that? That was so traumatic.” The same sentiment was felt by a further online user: “So they killed Martin? Ok Ofcom will be hearing from me for the trauma they’ve caused me.”
And yet one more chimed in with further dismay, writing: “I need to talk to Ofcom about how badly I’ve been impacted by tonight’s EastEnders.”
The final scenes of Martin’s life unfolded with him being trapped under a steel beam as he bravely saved his ex, Stacey, in the midst of the Queen Vic explosion chaos.
As paramedics gave him morphine and firefighters tried to free him, Martin and Stacey had a poignant conversation. He confessed his love and proposed, sharing his hopes for their future together.
However, Stacey noticed the paramedics’ concern and demanded the truth. The medic revealed Martin’s critical condition, warning that once the beam was lifted, his body would succumb to the injuries.
Stacey struggled to break the news to Martin, but he realized his fate. With his last moments, he shared his wedding vows, saying: “No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her. I thought she was the sexiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on.”
As they shared a kiss, Stacey begged him to hang on, but Martin reassured her: “It’s going to be alright.” Tragically, Martin’s life slipped away, leaving Stacey consumed by grief, her anguished cries echoing throughout Walford.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
