The world of EastEnders is set for a seismic shift as a familiar face prepares to walk back into Albert Square after a ten-year absence. The BBC One soap has confirmed that Mark Fowler Jr will return to Walford, with actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple taking over the iconic role.
A Tumultuous Family History Revisited
Longtime viewers will recall that Mark is the son of Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) and hardman Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), the product of a one-night stand. For two decades, Mark believed his father was a man named Tim, a lie that unravelled during his last stint in Walford in 2016, when he was portrayed by Emmerdale star Ned Porteous.
Although the truth of his paternity was revealed to both Mark and Grant, the pair never had the chance to build a relationship before Mark departed the Square. Now, his comeback is poised to ruffle feathers within both the Fowler and Mitchell clans, especially as he reunites with his sister, Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who moved to the Square from Australia last year.
Solving the New Year Flashforward Clue
This announcement also provides the answer to one of the biggest questions posed by the soap's ambitious flashforward episode, which aired on New Year's Day and was set in 2027. In that episode, an unnamed man was seen lurking in the background and waving to Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Fans were instantly convinced this mysterious figure would become a key player, and the BBC has now confirmed it was indeed Mark Fowler Jr, played by Stephen Aaron-Sipple. His upcoming involvement with the Branning family is set to unfold throughout the year.
New Beginnings for an Iconic Character
Little is known about why Mark has chosen to return or what he has been doing during his decade away, but, in true EastEnders fashion, it's promised that not all is as it seems. Discussing his new role, Stephen Aaron-Sipple said: "Having grown up in East London, EastEnders has been in my life since childhood and I’m excited to be joining not one, but two iconic Albert Square families! I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him."
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: "We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Aaron-Sipple to EastEnders and bring Mark back to Albert Square. Viewers had a glimpse of Mark in the New Year's Day flashforward episode, with the circumstances around his upcoming involvement with the Brannings set to unfold throughout the year."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and is available to stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
