“EASTENDERS FANS THOUGHT THEY RECOGNIZED THAT FACE — THEN MARTIN FOWLER SUDDENLY APPEARED IN A HOLLYWOOD SPY DRAMA…” 😳🎬 Nearly two decades after leaving Albert Square, former EastEnders star James Alexandrou has completely stunned viewers by popping up in Amazon Prime’s explosive thriller Citadel alongside Hollywood names like Stanley Tucci. Fans watching episode three were left doing double takes as the beloved former Martin Fowler appeared in the middle of a tense armed operation scene — and social media instantly erupted with nostalgia.

EASTENDERS fans have been left shocked after a soap legend popped up in a Hollywood show – 19 years after quitting Albert Square.

James Alexandrou, 41, played the beloved character Martin Fowler from 1996 until 2007 but has swapped Walford for Tinsel Town.

The star has left fans with their jaws dropped after he was spotted in the latest episode of Prime’s Citadel.

The show, which is headed up by A-list star Stanley Tucci, is now in its second season and is high- octane spy drama.

For the new series, fans went wild when James popped up in episode three.

In the show, he played a lead officer brought in during an explosive scene.

EastEnders star makes shock return to Albert Square 2 years after exiting soap

Taking to Reddit to discuss, one fan shared a picture of James in action and brandishing a gun, and wrote: “James Alexandrou (Martin Fowler) in Citadel!”

Another added: “Loving the nostalgia!”

A third said: “He was definitely the best Martin.”

James shot to fame in the 90s when he took on the character of Martin Fowler.Love Island stunner Ellie Chadwick has secret connection to former show winner

He was the second actor to play the role, after taking over from actor Jon Peyton Price.

But after over twenty years playing the fruit and veg stall owner, James decided to wave goodbye to Walford.

The part of Martin was then taken over by actor James Bye.

Last year, viewers were heartbroken when Martin tragically died in the BBC soap’s 40th Anniversary live episode.

At the time, James Alexandrou took to social media to acknowledge his former alter-ego’s passing.

He joked on his Instagram story: “Somehow reckon I’ll still be asked ‘When are you going back to EastEnders?’

James accompanied his message with a snap of Martin’s death scene.

Since leaving EastEnders, the actor has continued to star in hig-h profile shows like Call The Midwife, Professor T and Silent Witness.