EastEnders Star James Bye’s Two-Year-Old Son Rushed to Hospital ‘Screaming in Pain’ After Eating Poisonous Plant

EastEnders Star James Bye’s Son Hospitalized After Eating Toxic Plant
(Include image: James Bye and Victoria with their children. Caption: James Bye and wife Victoria with their four sons, including youngest Rufus, 2.)

EastEnders actor James Bye, known for playing Martin Fowler, and his wife Victoria recently shared a terrifying ordeal involving their two-year-old son, Rufus. The toddler was rushed to the hospital after eating a poisonous Italian arum plant from their garden.

Victoria detailed the incident on Instagram, explaining that within minutes of ingesting the plant, Rufus’ tongue swelled, and he began “screaming in pain.” The family called 999, and Rufus spent the night in the hospital for observation. Thankfully, he recovered fully.

(Include image: Italian arum plant. Caption: The toxic Italian arum plant, which caused Rufus’ severe reaction.)

Victoria warned parents about the dangers of common garden plants, noting the Italian arum’s bright orange berries may appear harmless but can cause skin irritation, heart issues, and internal bleeding. “I had no idea how dangerous it was,” she wrote, urging others to research garden flora.

James Bye’s Emotional Exit from EastEnders
The scare came shortly after James, 41, filmed his final scenes as Martin Fowler, a character he’d played since 2014. Martin was killed off during the show’s 40th-anniversary live episode, crushed by a beam while saving ex-love Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) from an explosion.

(Include image: James as Martin Fowler in EastEnders. Caption: James Bye’s character, Martin Fowler, died heroically in a live episode.)

Reflecting on his exit, James admitted to “choking sobs” during rehearsals. “When Stacey walked away, it felt like an out-of-body experience,” he told The Mirror. Though the crew requested real photos for his character’s funeral, James declined, calling it “too weird.”

Family First
James and Victoria, married since 2012, prioritize their four sons: Edward, 10, Louis, 8, Hugo, 5, and Rufus. The actor has balanced parenthood with his EastEnders role, which began when Martin was introduced as a baby in 1985—the first character born on the show.

(Include image: Rufus in hospital. Caption: Rufus recovered after a night under medical care.)

Victoria’s Instagram update reassured fans: “Thankfully he’s absolutely fine now.” The couple praised NHS staff for their swift response, echoing gratitude many parents feel during such crises.

A Wake-Up Call for Parents
The incident highlights hidden dangers in gardens. The Italian arum (Arum italicum) is widespread in the UK, often mistaken for harmless foliage. Experts recommend removing toxic plants or fencing them off if young children are present.

James’ departure from EastEnders and Rufus’ scare mark a tumultuous yet resilient period for the family. Fans continue to support the actor, praising his dedication to both his craft and his role as a dad.

(Include image: James and Victoria. Caption: The couple emphasized vigilance after their son’s close call.)

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