EastEnders star James Bye suffers panto injury, carries on like a 'trooper'

'EastEnders' star James Bye split his head open during the first scene of his Christmas pantomime performance.

The 39-year-old actor - who is best known as Martin Fowler on the long-running BBC One soap - was playing the Prince in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' at Aylesbury Waterside when he suffered a nasty injury but bravely continued.

His castmate, Rhiannon Chesterman, posted to her Instagram Story: "Look at our brave Prince @jimmybye! Split his head open in the first scene, carried on, and decided to 'make a thing of it' so strapped up his arm for good measure. #Trooper."

The soap legend also shared the post on his Instagram Story with an embarrassed emoji.

Meanwhile, James became a father for the fourth time in June.

The former 'Strictly Come Dancing' star and his wife Victoria welcomed another baby boy named Rufus into the world on June 18.

The couple - who also have Edward, Louis and Hugo - shared a picture on Instagram of the sleeping tot and wrote: "Rufus Gray… 18.06.23… 8lb 1oz,” along with the news he was going to be nicknamed “Roo”.

Victoria added: "You kept us waiting for such a long time little one, but oh wow were you worth the wait. We’re absolutely over the moon, smitten kittens and just head over heels for you. Our precious little rainbow… and boy have you brought the sun with you. (Like seriously, we’re all melting).

"And erm, check out the hair! A little styler like your brothers already. It’s safe to say. We’re just in love. This first week has been a whirlwind of you. (sic)"

Victoria admitted it was a long labour with many "ups and downs" - but they couldn't be happier.

She continued: “After a long induction, a long labour, lots of ups and downs and the drama along the way (oh don’t you worry I’ll be filling you in on everything… [red face emoji]) our hearts are near to bursting with the arrival of our precious baby boy…

“I just can’t believe I have him, here, in my arms, safely home and ours to keep for always. It still hasn’t sunk in… I’m definitely still in shock and I still can’t believe he’s mine.

“It’s been a long old journey to get him and now as he lays against my chest, whimpering softly, already starting to root for some booby time I feel like I’m the luckiest mama in the land.

“I’m soaking it all in. Letting my hair sit like a birds nest on my head, letting the washing pile up, letting the hours while away as I hold him, and sniff him (oh that smell) because I’ve waited so long for this moment. And I’m loving every second… xx (sic)"