SAD NEWS: First look at EastEnders’ funeral for Martin Fowler as devastated Ruby breaks down in tears

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Fans were left in shock after the iconic character was killed off in the live 40th anniversary episode

EASTENDERS viewers better get the tissues ready before they watch Martin Fowler’s funeral, as it’s set to be an emotional rollercoaster.

The beloved fruit-and-veg stall holder died on the soap last week, and The Sun’s first look photos show his friends and family in tears.

Funeral procession for Eastenders star Martin Fowler.

The cast of EastEnders have been seen filming Martin Fowler’s funeral scenesCredit: ISO

A woman at a funeral, covering her face with her hands.

Martin’s former flame Ruby was seen breaking down in tearsCredit: ISO

A woman at a funeral, partially obscured by foliage.

The character – played by Louisa Lytton – was seen looking devastatedCredit: ISO

A woman in a black coat uses her phone outside near a black car.

Martin’s wife Stacey was emotional as she got ready to say goodbye to himCredit: ISO

Maryin died suddenly last week in an accidentCredit: BBC

Ruby was seen standing next to the coffin with ‘Daddy’ written across itCredit: ISO

Stacey was seen being comforted by her mum as she said goodbye to MartinCredit: ISO

Fans had a massive shock when Martin, played by James Bye, died during the live 40th anniversary episode last week.

No one had expected the character – who has been part of the show since the 80s – to be killed off so suddenly.

However, viewers are in for more upset as Albert Square says goodbye to Martin for the last time.

In The Sun’s first look pictures from his funeral, the cast can been seen gathering around the church.

In one emotional picture Martin’s former flame Ruby Allen is seen breaking down in tears.

Dressed all in black, the character, played Louisa Lytton, can be seen holding her head in her hands as she comes to terms with Martin’s death.

Just before he died Martin had reconciled with wife Stacey, played by Lacey Turner, and she can be seen looking emotional in the churchyard.

Other pictures show the Walford residents standing by the carriage that carried his coffin.

They all look solemn as they get ready to pay their final respects to Martin.

MARTIN’S SHOCK DEATH

Martin died in Stacey’s arms in the closing seconds of the final live episode, having been crushed under a falling steel beam in the Queen Vic pub after an explosion.

In heartbreaking scenes he proposed and planned the next 40 years of their lives before the paramedics told Stacey that he would likely not survive his injuries.

Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised.

He decided to tell her what he’d say at their wedding, telling her: “No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her.

“I thought she was the sexiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on. It’s always been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one.

Funeral scene from Eastenders, featuring cast members.

Martin’s childhood sweetheart Sonia looked emotionalCredit: ISO

The Sun’s pictures show the cast filming Martin’s coffin being carried by a horse drawn coachCredit: ISO

Funeral of Eastenders star Martin Fowler.

Martin’s friends and family got ready to carry his coffin into the churchCredit: ISO

“I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.”

SAYING GOODBYE

The scenes proved so traumatic for fans that they threatened to call Ofcom over what occurred.

In a sweet video after the episode aired, actor James bid farewell to his fellow cast members with a suitable East End knees-up.

The group, including Jessie Wallace, Natalie Cassidy and Lacey – could be seen celebrating a job well done as the live 40th anniversary episode came to an end.

Martin Fowler lying down next to a woman.

Martin died after reconciling with wife Stacey in devastating scenesCredit: BBC

Martin Fowler injured and being comforted amidst rubble.

Despite the emergency team’s best efforts, Martin couldn’t be savedCredit: BBC

James captioned the video: “More to come… so much more to say… but for now – to Martin & all the EastEnders family – we love you.”

In honour of the show’s anniversary, James wrote: “A decade ago, I was welcomed into the EastEnders family at Elstree—and that’s exactly what we are.

“No doubt, it’s a madhouse most days, but it’s also a place filled with people, both on and off screen, who pour their hearts into this show every single day.

“It’s truly special, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it, surrounded by the amazing people who make EastEnders what it is.”