James Bye, known for his role as Martin Fowler on ‘EastEnders’, experienced every parent’s nightmare when his two-year-old son was rushed to hospital after ingesting a ‘seriously toxic’ plant. The actor’s wife, Victoria Bye, shared the alarming news on Instagram, revealing that their youngest child needed medical attention following “projectile” vomiting.
Victoria, who has four children with 41-year-old James, recounted the frightening incident which occurred while the family was visiting James’ parents. She described how their son Rufus’s tongue began to ‘swell suddenly’, leading to a diagnosis of gastroenteritis.
The doctor apparently warned them about the contagious nature of gastroenteritis, and Victoria herself hinted she fell ill later on. In her Instagram post, she said: “More of a public service announcement than a post really but as we all know, life with kids is anything but predictable.”
She continued: “So, after spending the night in hospital (I swear they’ll start charging us rent soon) after Rufus decided to snack on a plant in the garden – one I didn’t even know was dangerous. All hell let loose. (full video in next post – wouldn’t let me post here). Within minutes his tongue had started to swell, he was screaming and we had to call 999.(As always – NHS heroes, honestly.)”
She revealed that the Italian Arum plant was to blame, noting its deceptive appearance with bright orange berries. She said: “Thankfully he’s absolutely fine now but it turned out the culprit was Italian Arum, a really common plant with bright orange berries that looks innocent but is seriously toxic if ingested.”
The incident prompted her to research and compile a list of other potentially dangerous plants found in UK gardens, which she shared for the benefit of other unaware parents, reports the Mirror. Victoria continued: “I mean, I had no idea. And once I started looking into it… turns out there are loads of plants like that quietly minding their own (deadly) business in UK gardens. So, in true mum fashion, I made a list. For anyone else who didn’t know either. Because no one needs that kind of adrenaline.”
In a follow-up video, she humorously reminded her children, including Rufus, that “the garden is NOT a snack cupboard!” Her husband James, who she met nearly two decades ago, commented on the post jokingly: “Did I mention I’m staying away for the rest of the week.” In response, Victoria, with a touch of humour, told him: “Nice try… you’re on poo duty.”
The next day, Victoria updated fans on social media: “Still in the trenches here with this dreaded sickness malarkey … thank you honestly for all your get well wishes. I’m trying not to complain too much.”
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