James Alexandrou; From EastEnders Star to Theatre Director
James Alexandrou, best known for his portrayal of Martin Fowler on EastEnders from 1996 to 2007, has carved out a diverse career since leaving the iconic BBC soap. Alexandrou, who joined the show at just 11 years old, became a household name through his involvement in major storylines, including dealing with a stalker, the emotional decision to put his and Sonia’s daughter up for adoption, and the tragic accident that claimed Jamie Mitchell’s life.
In 2007, Alexandrou decided to leave EastEnders to explore other opportunities in the industry. At the time, he stated, “I’ve decided to leave the show to experience other aspects of my industry. Having turned 21, I felt it was a good time to leave. I owe everything to the show and would love to come back one day.” Although producers expressed interest in his return when the character was reintroduced in 2014, Alexandrou declined, citing that it wasn’t the right time for him.
Since his departure, Alexandrou has taken on a variety of roles, including performances in West End Shakespearean productions and collaborations with former co-star Natalie Cassidy for BBC Raw Words. He has also appeared in TV shows such as Silent Witness, Casualty, and The Prey. Beyond acting, Alexandrou has ventured into directing, producing, and scriptwriting. In a surprising twist, he recently returned to EastEnders—not as an actor, but as a director, shadowing an episode and even sharing a poignant moment with current Martin Fowler actor James Bye.
In 2023, Alexandrou opened his own theatre, Playhouse East, in London, marking a new chapter in his career. Reflecting on his journey, he remains grateful for his time on EastEnders and continues to explore creative avenues both on and off the stage.
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James Bye is only the most recent actor to play Martin Fowler on EastEnders, as the role had been played by two more actors before him, most notably J
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The time felt right
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James Bye reveals the reason
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EastEnders’ original Martin Fowler actor launches his own theatre
THE actor who originally played Martin Fowler has launched his very own theatre in the West End 18 years after leaving Albert Square. James Alexandrou
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EastEnders' original Martin Fowler star now - new career and 'return' to soap
Many viewers of EastEnders can't imagine the show without James Bye - but James Alexandrou played Martin Fowler for a number of years in the nineties
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Who is James Bye and does Martin Fowler die in EastEnders?
Things are not looking good.
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EastEnders fans think this week might be the last for Martin Fowler, who has been in the soap for 40 years - but what is life like for the actor who p
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