UPDATE: |EastEnders star James Bye addresses new look after taking latest character ‘out for a spin’ News

The Martin Fowler actor is sporting an ambitious hairstyle for his new project

EastEnders star James Bye has addressed his new look after taking his latest character ‘out for a spin’ in public.

The actor’s 11-year tenure as fruit and vegetable salesman Martin came to a tragic end back in February during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary week.

Martin lost his life after a steel beam fell on top of his legs following the devastating explosion at the Queen Vic.

With fans still mourning his exit from the programme, James will be playing the role of Mr Darcy in the theatrical world premiere of Death Comes to Pemberley on May 1.

Performing at the Mill at Sonning until June 28, James and his co-stars will tour across the UK until the middle of September.

Earlier in the week, James headed to the UK premiere of Marvel’s new film The Thunderbolts with his wife of 12 years Victoria.

Posing on the red carpet, James could be seen sporting an impressive set of mutton chops, which are traditionally seen on the actors who play Mr Darcy.

‌Sharing an image from the glamorous event, James wrote on Instagram: “What a treat to have a night out with @lifewiththebyes at the #thunderbolts premier last night.

“Thought I’d take the new Mr Darcy mutton chops out for a spin! Thanks to the team @marvel_uk @concordemedialondon for having us. Out in cinemas 1st May.”

The comments section of the post saw James’ friends and fans having their say on his new look and comparing him to various people, both real and fictional.

Kush Kazemi actor, @therealdavood said: “Mutton chops!!!?? WTF???” @brett_d_cove added: “Martin Fowler died and was resurrected as Wolverine.”

@tylerfayose wrote: “Loving the chops. Did you need an extra ticket for them.” @mattdiangelo posted: “Thats a lovely set of chops that.”

@charlotte_mckimm commented: “Thought you’d turned into Elvis for a sec there Darcy is it?” @tashafrancisoffical stated: “You both look amazing.”

The stage adaptation of PD James’s sequel to Pride and Prejudice, follows Mr Darcy and his wife Elizabeth as they continue to be loved-up following the conclusion of Jane Austen’s classic novel.

Previously commenting on landing the role of Mr Darcy, James told WhatsOnStage: “After a decade of gritty storylines it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”