UPDATE: |EastEnders fans call out ‘major blunder’ following Martin Fowler’s funeral News

The past month has seen the character’s loved ones preparing for his final goodbye

EastEnders fans have taken to social media to call out a ‘major blunder’ following Martin Fowler’s funeral, with many still feeling that he shouldn’t have been killed off.

The beloved fruit and vegetable salesman died after having a steel beam crush him moments after confessing his love to Stacey Slater following an explosion in the Queen Vic in February.

Martin, who was the first baby born on the programme, was first played by Jon Peyton-Price in EastEnders debut year of 1985, before James Alexandrou portrayed Martin’s journey into adulthood over the next 11 years.

After a seven-year hiatus, James Bye’s version of Martin was a big winner with fans when introduced in 2014, leaving them devastated when he died in the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary week.

In scenes that aired on Monday (April 7), the Slater family were still waiting to hear if his ex-wife Stacey would show up for the funeral having left several weeks ago to spend time with her brother Sean.

Stacey soon made her first appearance since leaving Albert Square in a taxi, arriving drunk on the back of a milk truck.

Poor Sonia Jackson, who was also married to and had a child with Martin, took on the responsibility of getting Stacey ready and assured her that she isn’t to blame for his death.

While this conversation was happening, a number of Walford’s residents gathered at Bridge street to see Martin’s funeral procession drive through where he worked.

Tasked with carrying Martin’s coffin was Freddie Slater, Alfie Moon, Zack Hudson, Harvey Monroe, and Ian and Peter Beale.

Stacey faced a frosty reunion with her daughter Lilly when she went to leave a photo of her and Martin at his fruit and veg stall before heading to the funeral. Lilly is furious with her mum for abandoning her and her young siblings during their time of need.

The actual funeral service saw Martin’s beloved godmother Kathy Beale tell those gathered in the church that Martin died too soon and he was meant to read at her service one day.

Despite Lilly planning to do a reading as her adopted father was buried, Stacey had to takeover when she got overwhelmed with emotion.

Ruby, who doesn’t know Martin was planning on leaving her, was furious with Stacey and her family taking charge of the funeral planning over the past few weeks.

Those watching the heartbreaking scenes at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to pay their respects to Martin and air their frustrations that he’s gone.

@luisawalkerxx said: “Didn’t need to start my week off by sobbing my heart out to EastEnders, I’ll never forgive them for taking Martin away from us.” @heatherLxx added: “Well Martin’s funeral has absolutely finished me off today.”

@LikeATattoooooo wrote: “Hmm watched today’s #EastEnders and they are not convincing me killing off Martin was not a major blunder. Where on earth is Stacey meant to go now? I can’t understand what anyone saw in this narrative.” @tayorinde posted: “Martin’s funeral has me sobbing all over again.”

@RyanTheSoapking commented: I’ve just watched Martin’s funeral episode. Absolutely devastating . A huge congratulations to everyone involved in that episode. Beautiful dialogue from Kevin Rundle and I’m pleased that Stacey returned for the funeral #EastEnders.” @notjlo4 stated: “Oh Martin. Still one of the worst decisions #EastEnders ever made.”

With Martin’s funeral finally taking place over a month on from his death, it’s safe to say that his absence will continue to cause drama on Albert Square.