Seven years on...Martin Fowler returns to EastEnders as new actor James Bye takes on the character who was last embodied by James Alexandrou in 2007

By Deborah Weitzmann for MailOnline

Published: 10:16 EST, 12 October 2014 | Updated: 10:16 EST, 12 October 2014

EastEnders bosses have announced they've recast the character of Martin Fowler, who has been portrayed by Jon Peyton Price and James Alexandrou on and off since 1985.

Now newbie James Bye is set to arrive at Albert Square to take on the role later this year.

He announced his excitement to join the cast as Pauline’s son, calling it a great 'honour' for him.

Welcome: EastEnders bosses announced in October that they had cast James as Martin

Welcome: EastEnders bosses cast new actor James Bye as Martin Fowler

While Sonia (played by Natalie Cassidy) has been back in Walford for a while, her husband is yet to be seen and James has shared his excitement ahead of making his grand entrance to the BBC1 soap, as Martin returns to try and save their marriage.

'It's a huge opportunity for me to put my own stamp on an iconic character and I can't wait to get started,' the actor announced.

James' previous credits include The Great Train Robbery and The Hooligan Factory.

Back in the day: James Alexandrou, pictured here, played Martin from 1996 to 2007; he was consulted about the recasting of his former alter-ego 

Back in the day: James Alexandrou, pictured here, played Martin from 1996 to 2007; he was consulted about the recasting of his former alter-ego 

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said that the recasting had been undertaken with the endorsement of James Alexandrou, who played Martin from 1996 to 2007.

Before then, Jon Peyton Price portrayed the character in his early life as a baby from 1985 until 1996.

Meanwhile, the character has't been since 2007, so this comeback will certainly make things interesting for the show, seven years down the line.

A world away: James Alexandrou posed next to Charlie Jones, who played Ben Mitchell, on set in 2007 - the year he left the soap

A world away: James Alexandrou posed next to Charlie Jones, who played Ben Mitchell, on set in 2007 - the year he left the soap

'With James Alexandrou's blessing - something which was very important to us - we have recast everyman Martin Fowler after extensive auditions,' Dominic said.

'Martin is an original - the first baby born on the Square and part of the show's roots - and, as we celebrate 30 years on Albert Square, it's important to look backwards as we move forwards.

'Our casting executive Julia Crampsie has found a genuine relatable London bloke in the talented James Bye - and we are sure that viewers old and new will soon warm to Martin Fowler's charms as he returns home to Walford.' 

No reunion: Natalie Cassidy revealed that she'd hoped her on-screen husband James Alexandrou would return to the soap at some point

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy (left) revealed that she hoped her on-screen husband James Alexandrou (right) would return to the soap at some point, though sadly he is not returning anytime soon