Martin Fowler makes shock return and catches affair couple together in EastEnders

MARTIN Fowler is set to make a shock return in EastEnders - and catch an affair couple together.

The character - played by James Bye - left Walford in mid-January to fly to Australia to join Sharon Watts.

Sharon had jetted Down Under in the wake of the Christmas Day drama which saw her fiance, Keanu Taylor, strangle her before being killed by her best friend, Linda Carter.

Sharon fled to be with Michelle Fowler on the other side of the world, leaving the remaining five members of 'The Six' to deal with the aftermath.

Soon after, Martin flew off to join Sharon and his sister Michelle, who was due to have an operation.

But in upcoming scenes, Martin suddenly returns to Walford, and gets a big shock as he walks in.

While he's been away, Martin has no idea that his former love - Stacey Slater - has been having an affair with Jack Branning, despite him being married to fellow Six member, Denise Fox.

Denise has spent time in a mental health facility, but after returning to Albert Square, she chats with Stacey, who encourages her to make her marriage to Jack work.

At the BBQ things are awkward and Stacey talks with a fragile Denise, feeling terrible.

Out in the backyard, Stacey tells Jack that she wishes she could be selfish, but he needs to be there for Denise.

He holds his arms out for a hug, and they share a tender goodbye kiss, but Martin walks in and catches them.

Jack and Stacey insist to Martin that the kiss was a moment of madness and beg him not to tell Denise.

Chelsea interrupts and is suspicious when Stacey rushes after Martin. When alone, Stacey admits to the affair with Jack and tells Martin it's over and the whole thing is none of his business.

Later, Martin confides about what's happened to Kathy, who desperately tries to persuade him to keep the secret, fearing the consequences of Denise finding out for the rest of the six women.

Back at the Brannings, Jack breaks down to Denise about how scared he's been about her, leading to a breakthrough for them as a couple as they pledge to fix things.

But will Martin keep quiet about what he saw?

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.