Introduction to James Bye’s New Role
James Bye, a talented actor, is best known for his role as Martin Fowler in the popular TV soap EastEnders. He played this character from 2014 to 2025 and was involved in many dramatic storylines. Recently, James took on a new role as one of literature’s greatest heartthrobs, Mr. Darcy, in the crime thriller Death Comes to Pemberley.
From EastEnders to Mr. Darcy
James Bye’s character, Martin Fowler, was dramatically killed in a live episode of EastEnders in February. He was hit by a van and died in the Queen Vic pub, which collapsed in an explosion. This was a shocking exit for James, but he is now excited to play a new iconic character. "It was a joy for me to play this iconic character and then jump out and play a different iconic character," said James. "It was a lot of hard work, but the piece is incredible, and I feel very honored to be involved."
Background and Career
Before becoming an actor, James visited the Hurst School in Baughurst and the Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke. He took on the role of Martin Fowler in EastEnders in 2014 and was involved in many dramatic storylines. James bowed out of EastEnders when his character died, and he was grateful to share his last scenes with Lacey Turner, who played Martin’s true love Stacey.
Death Comes to Pemberley
Death Comes to Pemberley is a play based on the novel by PD James and is a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The play runs until June 28th at the Mill in Sonning Theater in Berkshire before going on tour. James plays the role of Mr. Darcy, alongside Jamie-Rose Duke, who plays Lizzy Darcy. The play follows the story of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy as they try to solve a murder on the night of a big ball.
The Story Unfolds
After the events of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are living at Pemberley, their estate in the countryside. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when a murder takes place on the night of a big ball. James describes the play as a "duo that destroys the duo of reign" as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy work together to solve the murder and hold their family together. "We see how they dragged this terrible moment through and how they work together as a couple – or maybe not in certain cases – to hold their family together," said James.
Upcoming Tour Dates
After its run at the Mill in Sonning, Death Comes to Pemberley will go on tour to various locations, including Windsor, Cardiff, Bath, Guildford, Bromley, Wycombe, Brighton, and Richmond. Fans of James Bye and Pride and Prejudice can catch the play at one of these locations and see James bring Mr. Darcy to life on stage.
