EastEnders star's young son rushed to hospital after eating 'seriously toxic' plant

EastEnders actor James Bye's two-year-old son was taken to hospital after ingesting a 'seriously toxic' plant, leading to an alarming medical emergency.

James' wife, Victoria Bye, shared the harrowing ordeal on Instagram, alerting other parents to the potential danger after their youngest son Rufus required urgent care following "projectile" vomiting, reports the Mirror.

Victoria, 42, who shares four children with James, 41 - known for his role as Martin Fowler in the iconic BBC soap - described the frightening incident that saw their son's tongue begin to swell alarmingly.

Talking to Instagram, Victoria said. "we've had a bit of a week," before explaining she had "no idea" they had poisonous plants in their garden.

Her Instagram post read: "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.)

"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.

"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."

Subsequently, she posted a follow-up video reminding Rufus and their other youngsters that "the garden is NOT a snack cupboard!" James first encountered his wife nearly two decades ago, and claims he captured her attention whilst dressed as a pineapple for work.

James was amongst those who liked the post and he also responded in the comments section. Alongside a queasy-looking emoji, he joked to his wife: "Did I mention I'm staying away for the rest of the week."

Beside a laughing emoji, Victoria replied: "Nice try ... you're on poo duty."

The next day, Victoria provided an update to followers: "Still in the trenches here with this dreaded sickness malarkey ... thank you honestly for all your get well wishes."

She then joked: "I'm trying not to complain too much."

Plants Victoria warned to keep an eye on in your garden:

Foxglove – Beautiful. Can mess with your heart.

Deadly Nightshade – The clue’s in the name

Lily of the Valley – Smells great, very toxic.

Rhubarb (leaves) – Pie on top, poison underneath.

Yew – Classic hedge. Lethal seeds.

Daffodils – Bulbs look like onions. Are not onions.

Monkshood (Wolfsbane) – Even touching it can be dangerous.

Italian Arum – The one that sent my toddler to A&E.

Hemlock – tiny white flowers, wildly toxic.

Hydrangea – Cyanide-ish compounds. Nice.

Laburnum – Seeds = bad news.

Oleander – Toxic from root to tip.

Wisteria – Pods are a problem.

Bluebells & Snowdrops – Lovely. Toxic bulbs.

Ivy – Rashy - not fun.

Autumn Crocus – NOT to be confused with the spring ones.

Buckthorn – Wild diarrhoea vibes.