EastEnders star James Bye reveals soap bosses’ major change to Martin for Strictly Come Dancing

EASTENDERS star James Bye has revealed how his bosses on the soap have helped him cope with Strictly Come Dancing.

Filming and rehearsing for both BBC hits is famously gruelling and juggling them can be a challenge.

James has revealed producers have managed to “quieten” how often he appears as Martin Fowler.

But he said travelling is no bother as both Strictly and EastEnders film in the same village, Elstree in Hertfordshire.

Speaking in New magazine James explained: “I’m still shooting but they’ve been kind and quietened my schedule down.

“We shoot over the road, so it’s not too bad travelling backwards and forwards.

“And my partner has said she’s there at my beck and call, so when I finish filming she’s there and we go into whichever studio’s closest and practise.”

James, 38, has played Martin since 2014 when he took over the role played since 1996 by another James, Alexandrou.

He explained that he has been given advice by EastEnders co-stars past and present.

The actor said among those to get in touch with words of wisdom were Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jake Wood, Davood Ghadami and Scott Maslen.

He said: “They’ve all been giving me advice. Mainly just to enjoy myself and embrace everything from the beginning.

“You never know when it’s going to end.’

Last month James turned up at his new dressing room at Strictly’s HQ, marching up a long corridor lined with costumes.

The new celebrities were paired up with their professional dance partners in a pre-recorded filming session last week.

Some fans complained after an unconfirmed list of who was going to dance with who leaked online.

Stars this year include Countryfile star Helen Skelton, ex-footballer Tony Adams, singer Fleur East, Bros legend Matt Goss, actress Ellie Taylor and Loose Women’s Kaye Adams.

Coronation Street favourites Will Mellor and Kym Marsh will also appear on the dance floor this year.