EASTENDERS star James Bye has admitted he’d “be a fool to say no” to joining a rival soap after Martin Fowler’s death.
Fans were left devastated in February when Martin died in The Queen Vic explosion.
Speaking to The Sun Online about the possibility of joining a rival soap, James said: “It’s not about loyalty.
“Certainly, the people that I’ve come across during my time in soaps are the hardest working bunch of people.
“In front of the camera, behind the camera, and I loved my time on the show.
“I’ve never worked in any other soap, so I know a lot of people who have, and they kind of echo the same thing and say this.
“So I would never say never, and I mean that across anything, because you just never know.
“And if the other soaps are anything like EastEnders was, then I’d be a fool to say no.”
James is also open to making a ghostly return in the future to his beloved role in EastEnders.
The BBC soap revealed last month that Pam St Clement would be reprising her iconic role as Pat for a special episode relating to Nigel Bate’s dementia storyline.
Barry Evans – played by Shaun Williamson – is also returning as a ghost as part of Nigel’s storyline this Christmas.
Now, James has said he would be open to returning as a ghost if the storyline made sense.
He said: “I think you know what, just for the fans [I would]. I know how important that character was to the fans.
“I think if ever I was given the opportunity and it made sense for the plot, or if it was just a bit of fun, yeah I would.
“Obviously I would always want to honour that character and the fan base it has.
“It’s really weird – the new thing I’m doing is 2:22 A Ghost Story, so maybe that’s how I’m going to spend the rest of my career!”
EastEnders fans were left feeling shocked about Martin’s death during the soap’s big 40th celebrations.
But reflecting on the decision, James said: “I just think everything happens for a reason.
“And I loved the 10 years that I had playing him, and the people I got to work with in front and behind the camera. It is a family show.”
James, who spoke in collaboration with Betway, added: “These things happen for a reason, and I was happy with the way it was perceived by the audience and the fans.
“I appreciate there was a lot of upset and stuff, but if anything, that just sort of justified the reason for doing it.
“The fact he has such an incredible fan base, and I just appreciated every, every bit of support I got.”
