EastEnders fans have been left stunned after spotting former soap legend James Alexandrou in the latest season of Amazon Prime’s high-octane spy thriller Citadel — nearly two decades after he walked away from Albert Square.
Alexandrou, 41, played the iconic Martin Fowler for more than a decade from 1996 until 2007, becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British television. Now he has made his Hollywood mark, appearing in episode three of Citadel’s second season alongside A-list star Stanley Tucci in what fans are describing as a full-on action role — complete with gun in hand as a lead officer in an explosive scene.
The unexpected appearance sent fans into a frenzy on Reddit, where one user shared a screenshot of Alexandrou in action with the caption: “James Alexandrou (Martin Fowler) in Citadel!” The post quickly gathered responses from nostalgic viewers, with one writing “Loving the nostalgia!” and another declaring “He was definitely the best Martin.”
Alexandrou was the second actor to play Martin Fowler, taking over from Jon Peyton Price, before passing the baton to James Bye when he departed the soap in 2007. The character of Martin met a dramatic end last year during EastEnders’ 40th anniversary live episode, a moment that prompted Alexandrou to post a wry response on Instagram alongside a still from the death scene: “Somehow reckon I’ll still be asked ‘When are you going back to EastEnders?'”
Since leaving Walford, Alexandrou has maintained a steady television career, appearing in Call The Midwife, Professor T and Silent Witness — but his Citadel appearance has introduced him to a whole new international audience, and judging by the reaction online, EastEnders fans could not be more pleased to see him back on screen.
