An EastEnders star has 'given away' they'll be leaving the popular BBC soap soon, according to fans of the show.

The programme will be airing some special episodes as part of its 40th anniversary, including a live one on Thursday, February 20.

Part of the storyline will see the famous Queen Vic pub go up in flames, according to promotional material.

In the build-up to all of this EastEnders fans have shared that they think one character will be leaving the show around then.

James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler, has removed mention of the show from his Instagram.

He had previously included the soap in the bio of his official page, but has now opted for his management details and family Instagram account now, The Sun reports.

They're convinced he'll end up being a character who dies amid the Queen Vic disaster.

EastEnders fans believe James Bye will exit the soap

A few fans took to social media to share their theories, with one posting on Reddit: "It can mean nothing, but usually it means something when an actor does that!"

Another wrote: "How are people still not convinced? The 3 people who are closest to Martin are all leaving, there are flowers by his stall, he's constantly been talking about his legacy, he celebrated his 40th birthday last year by mistake, and now this."

A third shared: "Killing off THE legacy child is crazy, even worse than Denny".

Meanwhile, another said: "If they do kill him off that would be an even more monumentally stupid idea than killing off Denny, and his removing EE can only mean this was not his choice."

Some also posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), as one wrote: "The constant mentions of Pauline & Arthur - their past & deaths. James Bye has removed EastEnders from his IG bio. Be ready to say goodbye to Martin Fowler."

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Another shared: "guys i’m scared for martin… james bye has taken eastenders out of his instagram bio and it was definitely there before…"

James Bye has played fruit stall trader Martin Fowler since the character's role was recast in 2014.

James Alexandrou previously played the role from 1996 until 2007.