The sexual chemistry between Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) in EastEnders is so intense that it is practically bursting through the screen. After dancing around each other for a frustratingly long time, the star-crossed lovers have finally surrendered to temptation and committed to a dangerous secret affair.
It is poor Peter Beale (Thomas Law) who deserves sympathy. He has no idea that his wife has the hots for the Walford bad boy.
A Kiss That Started It All
It all kicked off with a passionate kiss back in July. Sick with guilt, Lauren ultimately could not betray her husband and told Mark that if he truly loved her, he would sling his hook and get out of her Square. Brokenhearted Mark called her bluff and did one – which lasted about five minutes.
He did return, but not for Lauren. The only reason for his return was to say goodbye to his family before leaving for Florida. Obviously, being given the cold shoulder only increased Lauren's desire, and Mark's second coming caused some serious trouble in paradise for her and Peter.
Trouble on the Horizon
The pair argued about what exactly she knew about Max Branning (Jake Wood) cheating on Peter's mum Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) before it came out.
With her marriage to Peter on the rocks and Mark's departure seemingly imminent, Lauren has an angel and a devil on her shoulder. Which one will she pick?
Stephen Aaron-Sipple, who plays Mark, teases trouble on the horizon. 'There's obviously going to be some disaster. She's a married woman! We'll see how that plays out.'
'Mark normally just goes for what he wants and takes what he wants, he doesn't care about the consequences.'
Fowler DNA and a Flashforward
He certainly does not. The man has got Fowler DNA, so is wired with a short fuse and a philosophy of 'shoot first, ask questions later.' After all, he got close to Lauren through the dodgy stolen car scheme. Given that the New Year's Day flashforward episode heavily implied that Lauren was doing the dirty on Peter, Stephen's prediction does not seem so far fetched.
The flashforward is when Stephen made his uncredited on-screen debut on the Square as Mark, taking on the role back in 2025 when he first started filming.
'It's obviously terrifying to show up on such an iconic show, but when you meet everyone, it's so welcoming,' Stephen revealed. 'You have moments…I was sat in the green room with Ross Kemp, Steve McFadden and Kim! I was like, this is my childhood!'
'It's incredible. Everyone's got really big hearts and they've got so much advice to give. We're a team, and that's what we try and bring to work everyday.'
