With EastEnders set to see two ghostly returns this Christmas, another familiar face has teased the possibility of floating back into Walford. The soap recently confirmed that Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson will be making cameos as Pat and Barry Evans for Nigel Bates’s dementia storyline.

However, James Bye has now addressed the possibility of his late character Martin Fowler – who was killed off earlier this year – coming back at some point in ghostly form.

“I think you know what, just for the fans [I would],” he told The Sun. “I know how important that character was to the fans.

“I think if ever I was given the opportunity and it made sense for the plot, or if it was just a bit of fun, yeah I would. Obviously I would always want to honour that character and the fan base it has.”

He then joked of his upcoming stage role: “It’s really weird – the new thing I’m doing is 2:22 A Ghost Story, so maybe that’s how I’m going to spend the rest of my career!”

James also reflected on his exit in February, which saw Martin killed off as part of the Queen Vic explosion scenes, the star noting that “these things happen for a reason”.

“I was happy with the way it was perceived by the audience and the fans,” he added. “I appreciate there was a lot of upset and stuff, but if anything, that just sort of justified the reason for doing it.”

Meanwhile, the special Nigel Christmas episode will see the character’s dementia symptoms intensify as he sees imagined versions of Pat and Barry.

Addressing her brief comeback, Pam said: “I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again, and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline.

“It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.”