The floor falls from beneath Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) feet in EastEnders next week when his beloved fruit and veg stall is shut down.
As viewers have seen in recent months, the residents of Walford have launched an effort to save the Bridge Street and Square gardens, which could soon be redeveloped by Junior Knight (Micah Balfour).
This means that some of our favourite characters – such as Martin, Winston (Ulric Browne) and Shrimpy (Ben Champniss) could soon be without a livelihood.
When the show began in 1985, Martin’s uncle Pete Beale (Peter Dean) wasat the helm of the famed market stall, and a member of their family has ran it for decades.
Since the news hit the locals, they’ve worked tirelessly to propose that the council shuts down plans of the new development, including creating a saucy charity calendar to raise funds towards their campaign.
Martin has, on large, let his fellow traders take charge of the operation whilst he dealt with a bigger issue in his life – the return of ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) and discovery that she gave birth to his son two years ago.
Recent scenes have shown the former couple reconcile, much to the fury of his other ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who was also hopeful of a reunion.
In upcoming scenes, the atmosphere between Martin and Ruby – following her altercation and subsequent catfishing of the chief councillor – is frosty.
Councillor Barker makes a huge announcement – the market will stay open, but it doesn’t change things for Martin. He’s still furious with his girlfriend’s behaviour.
Ruby tracks down Barker in the way of putting things right, but it clearly doesn’t work.
As everyone gathers to celebrate their success, Martin receives the news that the council have shut down his stall for a breach of health and safety.
In a bizarre twist, Stacey backs Ruby up and claims that she was only trying to do the right thing. Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is also strangely against him, seemingly unbothered by the fact their family business could soon go under.
Later, Ruby insists that she won’t back down and is determined to show she’s a changed woman. Stacey pleads with her to do anything she can to get the stall back.
Realising she’s not getting anywhere, she approaches Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) for help, and later shares a warm moment with Martin – and they almost kiss!
Is Stacey about to finally get what she’s wanted for so long?
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The pair pull away before they make a mistake, not realising that Ruby has seen everything.
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She confronts Martin over what she has seen, and he tries to squirm his way out of it.
Heading to speak to Stacey about Ruby’s questions, they both agree that it meant nothing.
When Ruby comes to question her and ask if she is harbouring feelings for Martin, she promises that there is too much water under the bridge.
Will Stacey ever be able to confess how she really feels?
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