The BBC has officially confirmed the dramatic return of a familiar face to Albert Square, solving a mystery that has gripped fans since New Year's Day. Mark Fowler Jr is set to make his comeback to EastEnders after a decade away, with actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple taking on the role.
A Mystery Solved: The Flashforward Man Revealed
Viewers were given a cryptic glimpse of the character in the flashforward episode that aired on 1st January 2026, which was set in January 2027. The identity of the mystery man in that scene has now been unveiled as Mark Fowler Jr. This marks the first time the character has been seen on the BBC One soap since 2016, when he discovered that Grant Mitchell was his biological father.
The role was previously portrayed by Ned Porteous, who is now known for playing Joe Tate in ITV's Emmerdale. The decision to recast the part with Stephen Aaron-Sipple means fans have technically already seen the new Mark on their screens.
New Beginnings for an Iconic Character
Actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple expressed his excitement about joining the iconic show. "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!" he said. "I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him."
Executive Producer Ben Wadey added to the anticipation, stating: "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 Years Day flashforward episode, with the circumstances around his upcoming involvement with the Brannings set to unfold throughout the year."
Family Ties and Future Secrets
The storyline will see Mark reconnect with his sister, Vicki Fowler, and the Mitchell clan, confirming his place as Grant's son. However, it remains unclear if he is in direct contact with Grant, who made no mention of his son during a brief return to the Square last year.
One of the biggest puzzles for fans is how Mark becomes entangled with the Branning family. The show's producers are keeping the exact reasons for his return and his connection to the Brannings tightly under wraps. Speculation among viewers has already begun, with one popular theory suggesting a potential affair with Lauren Branning, who is currently married to Peter Beale.
What Mark has been doing during his ten-year absence from Walford also remains a secret, promising a wealth of new storylines and drama for the long-running soap. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
