EastEnders star James Bye has revealed his next career move following his shock exit in last week's explosive live episode.
The dramatic live instalment of the soap last Thursday, which celebrated EastEnders' 40th anniversary, saw Martin Fowler tragically pass away after he was seriously injured in the explosion at The Queen Vic.
With Bye having now left his soap role behind after 11 years, it has been announced that he is taking on the iconic role of Mr Darcy in the stage production of Death Comes to Pemberley, in the show's theatrical world premiere.
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The show, which is based on PD James's novel, is being adapted for the stage by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, who have previously worked on the theatrical adaptations of The Girl on the Train and The Da Vinci Code.
Death Comes to Pemberley is a murder mystery that continues the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice. Set six years after Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's wedding, their peace is shattered by the shocking news that Captain Denny has been found murdered at Darcy's estate.
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It isn't long before George Wickham subsequently stands trial for murder, as "dark secrets emerge, tensions rise, and loyalties are tested, casting doubt on everyone's innocence".
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Bye said of his new role: "I am leaving EastEnders on an absolute high after the explosive live 40th anniversary episode. 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."
The show, which also stars Endeavour's Sean Rigby and is directed by Joe Harmston, will premiere at the Mill at Sonning on May 1, before going on to tour across the UK. The full tour dates can be seen on the show's website.
Following Martin's tragic exit last week, the next few weeks will see Walford's residents saying goodbye to the much-loved resident.
Digital Spy has obtained photos of the soap filming Martin's sad funeral scenes, with Vicki Fowler set to return to Albert Square for the funeral after more than 20 years away.
Martin's daughter Bex Fowler will also be back to pay her respects to her dad, with actor Jasmine Armfield due to make a brief comeback.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
