EastEnders fans have pointed out a glaring error from the live episode, which also gave a chilling prediction.
Viewers tuned into a live episode of the BBC soap opera on Thursday night as the programme celebrated its 40th anniversary. Show boss Chris Clenshaw ensured that fans of the soap would be treated to a string of twists – some more heartbreaking than others. In recent weeks, the “who dunnit?” storyline surrounding Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) mystery attacker came to an end when Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) revealed she was the one who hit Cindy with the shovel and left her for dead.
This, however, wasn’t the only twist EastEnders had in-store as Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) became responsible for yet another death, having already brutally murdered his wife, Debbie. As he attempted to escape from Bianca, he narrowly avoided running Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) over but smashed his car into the Queen Vic pub, as well as several gas canisters.
The smash caused the Vic to explode, with the building instantly crumbling, trapping dozens inside after Billy and Honey Mitchell’s wedding. Martin Fowler (James Bye) became trapped but rather than leaving with his partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), he remained inside in order to free his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
As Martin cleared a path for them to leave, Stacey refused to do so until they made their feelings for one another clear. This, however, had devastating consequences – with a metal beam falling from the ceiling, crushing Martin’s legs, leaving him trapped. Medical staff and fire and rescue eventually got in to free Martin but while he and Stacey rekindled their romance with him proposing – it would lead to his death. Martin was the first baby to be born on the show, with his mum, Pauline’s pregnancy being announced in the first episode.
Due to the crush, Martin suffered from crushed syndrome which caused his kidney to fail, eventually leading to cardiac arrest and his devastating death. But fans spotted something was off the moment that paramedics hooked him up to a portable Electrocardiography (ECG) machine.
Throughout the traumatic scenes, fans spotted that Martin’s heart rate remained at 98 beats per minute, his blood pressure was 98 and his respiratory rate was 20 per cent. The portable machine also didn’t show Martin’s blood pressure. Fans instantly took to X, formerly known as Twitter to call out the blunder. One said: “The heart monitor Martin was hooked up to. The numbers never changed and the lines showing the heart rate didn’t move – was clearly a static image.”
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A second tweeted: “Did anyone notice a blunder on Eastenders tonight? There was one if you want to get real nitpicky over it but Martins ECG monitor thingy not fluctuating. The stats stayed the same! Other than that it was a really good live, outstanding performances from everyone!” “Martin’s heart monitor isn’t even working #EastEnders,” commented another.
A fourth, meanwhile, noticed the blunder had a chilling prediction as they penned: “Honestly, with that Blood Pressure reading, he should already be dead #EELive #Eastenders.” “Oh come on that monitor hasn’t changed once ! Martins got the most stable heart rate,” added another. Meanwhile, another fumed: “The fake ECG monitor with Martin is getting on my nerves. His heart rate would be through the roof, not 98. #eelive.”
Actor James spoke about his exit after the scenes aired, and said: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
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