EastEnders fans were left heartbroken after the live episode

The soap wanted to mark the major milestone with a huge storyline, but it was one that left viewers in floods of tears.

The iconic Queen Vic pub was destroyed in an explosion with multiple cast members injured in the incident.

During last night's episode, viewers had to say goodbye to the beloved character Martin Fowler.

Martin was crushed under a steel beam after he saved his love interest, Stacy Slater.

The on/off couple shared a final conversation as paramedics treated Martin on the scene.

They confessed their love for one another and Martin even proposed to Stacey, but she soon realised something was wrong.

I will NEVER forgive @bbceastenders for this#EastEnders #EELive pic.twitter.com/F9kpO2gZfM

— kirsten 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@howveryarnott) February 20, 2025

Martin sadly passed away from his injuries just moments after telling Stacey about the future they would have together.

The heartbreaking scene was incredibly tough for fans to watch.

Many of them agreed that the storyline was too sad and said they wouldn't 'forgive' the show's writers for killing off Martin.

"Gutted that they've killed Martin off. One of the best characters and just when he was getting back with Stacey. There's about another 8 cast members I'd rather see the back of. That awful Mitchell clan for a start. They always get rid of good characters," one said.

Another added: "Oh, no no no #Eastenders - you’ve ended an absolutely incredible anniversary week by YET AGAIN killing off a legacy character - one who had the literal history of the show coursing through his veins. What a short-sighted decision for a few minutes of shock value."

One wrote: "I cannot put into words how much this has broken me, i burst into tears as soon as that scream hit. martin's death shouldn't have happened, stacey & martin should've had their happy ending. I don't think I'll be getting over this for a while."

Me off the phone to my manager saying I can’t come in tomorrow because Martin Died #EastEnders #EE40 #EELIVE pic.twitter.com/sx6DO3PFOl

— 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐾TartanEevee🐾 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@Thetartaneevee) February 20, 2025

EastEnders continues on BBC 1 on Monday, February 24th at 8 pm.