“Baby Arthur’s collapse is a mighty ton of bricks for Stacey and Martin…”
As Martin and Stacey wait anxiously beside baby Arthur’s hospital bed, James Bye is believing in the power of love…
What’s lovely about Martin and Stacey is that the more problems they face, and the higher the stakes are, the stronger they get,” claims James Bye, who plays Martin, as he joins us for a chat. Following recent events, the pair will be needing all the strength they can muster this week, with poorly baby Arthur still in hospital after falling unconscious.
The discovery that Arthur’s father Kush has the potentially fatal heart condition Brugada syndrome – a genetic disease which he may have passed on to his son – has knocked everyone for six. But whatever lies ahead for Stacey and Martin, James has every confidence the Fowler family will always be better if they stick together.
“They do seem to react well to outside pressure,” insists the 33-yearold. “They don’t bicker with one another, they just work together. And I think that’s why they get on so well.”
The pressure is most definitely on while Arthur’s health hangs in the balance. Family means everything to Martin and Stacey, and the young couple were delighted when Stacey discovered that she was expecting again – but the uncertainty surrounding Arthur’s condition has since prompted Martin to wonder whether the pressure of a new little’un might prove too much for Stacey. However, as a proud dad of two – to one-year-old Louis and Edward, aged three – James just loves working with his expanding on-screen brood.
“Martin has been over the moon about Stacey expecting a new baby,” he grins. “A family of his own is all he’s ever wanted since coming back to the Square. He’s as scared as any dad would be, but also excited. And he and Stacey are in a really good place.
“Me and Lacey [Turner, who plays Stacey] love working with the kids who
“Stacey and Martin react well to pressure – they work together…”
play Lily and Arthur – they bring a nice energy. I’ve got my own boys at home, so it’s nice to have kids at work too. Like a home away from home on set!”
In fact, James and Lacey love their on-screen brood so much, they’re hoping to expand it! It’s not just a love of kids that the stars share – they’re equally devoted to their beloved pet dogs, and James would love it should Stacey and Martin acquire a four-legged friend of their own.
“If the Fowlers were to get a pet, it would be no problem for me and Lacey,” he tells us. “We both adore dogs, so I reckon we’d both be up for it. And I think the Fowlers are the kind of family that would have a dog!”
Of course, a furry new addition is the last thing on Martin and Stacey’s minds this week. They’re yet to find out for sure whether Arthur has inherited Brugada syndrome from Kush – but in the wake of his collapse, they fear a poorly heart is to blame.
“This has been a mighty ton of bricks,” admits James. “They’re in denial, and neither Stacey, Martin or Kush deal with it very well. Martin feels a lot of guilt for having been in prison. There’s nothing he can do with regards to Arthur, but he takes the fact that Stacey is struggling on his shoulders.
“Prison was tough for Martin – we know that he had a few tear-ups with some of the guys inside, and the experience has affected him. He’s not been his usual self since he came out, and is a lot more emotional than the viewers are used to seeing him.
His heart is definitely on his sleeve.”
Adding to the Fowlers’ stress is Kush’s overprotective mum Carmel. Although her eldest son insists she must avoid upsetting Stacey, she hasn’t been able to hold back. And while Stacey and Martin are determined to maintain a united front, it’s Carmel’s interference that has tested Stacey’s patience to the max.
The women clashed furiously last week, but their showdown prompts a heart-to-heart that leaves them in a better place – until Carmel makes a discovery while looking after Arthur that sparks her worries all over again. But whatever unfolds as a result of that situation, James is convinced his alter ego’s marriage has the mettle to withstand it – and can also cope with Stacey’s ex Kush being back in the fold.
“Martin and Kush are in a place now where jealousy doesn’t come into it,” says James. “Me, Lacey and Davood [Ghadami, aka Kush] get on really well, so it’s nice how the characters team up. They become their own little support network – and while what they’re going through is a shock, I imagine it’s nice for viewers to see them coming together.
“But whether Kush and Martin are arguing or being best mates, me and Davood are happy either way,” adds the actor. “We do have a bit more fun on set when they’re getting on, though. Davood and I make each other laugh, and it’s nice we have that dynamic. So I think I’m happier when they’re friendly.”
The boys’ close friendship means that James will be right behind his co-star as Davood steps out on his Strictly Come
Dancing journey – and will be cheering him on every Saturday night.
“Of course I’m watching!” declares James. “Unfortunately I had to miss Davood’s first live performance because I was at a wedding, but I’ll be making an effort to get to the studio and see him in his sequins. I think he’ll do really well. He’s as nervous as anyone would be, but I think he’ll do brilliantly. He’s so natural in himself, so I reckon the audience will be rooting for him, too!”
“Martin, Stacey and Kush become their own little support network”