EastEnders: Martin Fowler returns to Albert Square

After teasing a major character from the past was being recast, EastEnders has revealed Martin Fowler is returning to the BBC 1 soap this winter.

The character was last seen in 2007, played by James Alexandrou. But with James now pursuing other roles, including a recent run in a stage version of Othello, newcomer, James Bye will now play the part.

Martin's return will see him to try repair his troubled marriage to Sonia (Natalie Cassidy).

"Martin is an EastEnders original -the first baby born on the Square and part of the show's roots," says executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins. "As we celebrate 30 years on Albert Square, it's important to look backwards as we move forwards."

Simon has long been a fan of soap operas, and especially loves OVER-THE-TOP plots involving evil twins, hair-pulling catfights and natural disasters.

Anyone remember the Sunset Beach earthquake/tidal wave?

Or when Krystle Carrington got locked in the attic and replaced by look-a-like Rita in Dynasty?!

Simon has written for a variety of TV and childrens’ magazines/websites including Inside Soap, Nickelodeon, What’s On TV, Radio Times, Metro, Girl Talk, Disney Girl, Toxic! and Digital Spy.

He has reported LIVE from the red carpet at The British Soap Awards interviewing glammed-up stars from soapland, and hosted a Facebook LIVE session for Metro with Home and Away legend Ray Meagher (Alf "Stone the flamin' crows!" Stewart) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Aussie soap.