EastEnders star James Bye has swapped Walford market trading for dance training, having joined this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
James is one of the contestants competing in this year's series, which launches tonight (September 23) and will see the celebrities perform for the first time tomorrow night (September 24).
But while EastEnders fans will be familiar with both James and his alter ego Martin, those who don't follow the BBC soap may well be wondering who he is. Here are some quick facts to bring you up to speed.
James Bye's EastEnders role – who does he play?
James plays Martin Fowler on the BBC soap, having taken on the role back in 2014. Prior to that, Pauline and Arthur's son was played by James Alexandrou from 1996 to 2007, with Jon Peyton-Price starring in the role from 1985 to 1996.
Since James took over the role of Martin, he has been involved in a number of the show's big storylines, mainly involving his on-off relationship with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). In 2016, James received critical acclaim for his part in Stacey's powerful mental health storyline, which saw her be diagnosed with postpartum psychosis shortly after the birth of her son Arthur.
Martin also took centre stage in a long-running storyline involving scheming Ruby Allen last year. He was also left devastated by the death of his best friend Kush, who was murdered by serial killer Gray Atkins.
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James has received a total of seven nominations since appearing as Martin, the most recent being Best Double Act at this year's Inside Soap Awards, alongside James Farrah – who plays his on-screen best friend, Zack.
James Bye - is he leaving EastEnders?
Martin fans will be pleased to know that James has no intention of leaving Walford life behind, and like many co-stars before him, will be juggling a quieter filming schedule alongside his Strictly commitments.
"It's a massive commitment," he said to Inside Soap. "Luckily, both shows are filmed in Elstree, and my bosses at EastEnders have been very supportive in terms of quieting my storylines to make sure I'm given the chance to do as best I can on Strictly. I think I'd be mad not to think about lifting the Glitterball!"
James Bye – marriage and children
James is happily married and has three children. He tied the knot with his wife Victoria back in 2012, after apparently meeting her in Sainsburys car park, and they are proud parents to three sons – Edward, Louis and Hugo.
James regularly shares snaps of family life over on his Instagram page, most recently paying tribute to Victoria on her 40th birthday.
James Bye – is he on Instagram?
He sure is. As we mentioned above, James can be found regularly posting family snaps, as well as keeping fans updated on Walford life, over on @jimmybye.
What has James Bye said about being on Strictly?
When news first broke of James' involvement in this year's series of Strictly, he said on Instagram: "This has been so hard to keep a secret but it’s such a relief to be able to finally reveal that I will be smashing around the ballroom in this year's Strictly.
"I feel so honoured to be part of such an amazing show and incredible group of people and I can’t wait to get started! Some big shoes to fill but hopefully I can do my family back in Walford proud. Wish me luck!"
He also said on Good Morning Britain: "I've known for a long time - it's been hard to keep a secret. I can tell people I've lied to - if I've lied to you, apologies. It's not really sunk in."
Speaking of his wife's support, James added: "She is really supportive - we talked it all through and it's a decision we have made together. She's going to be part of the team."
But as for his dancing skills – James isn't feeling all that optimistic.
"I've just not got that natural 'thing' that these professional dancers have," he said to Inside Soap.
"I think I just can just about do the steps and then we can try and add some character into it. I have no real dance training at all, though, so it may take me longer to pick stuff up. But I'm going to give it everything."
When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
The 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing will begin on Friday September 23 at 7pm on BBC One.
The first live show will then air the following day – Saturday, September 24 – at 6:45pm.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Friday, September 23 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
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