New EastEnders pictures have revealed the moment Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) contemplate giving into temptation following their passionate kiss. The duo, who have been working together at the car lot, have experienced growing chemistry in recent weeks.
Lauren and Mark's Risky Business
Lauren initially refused to get involved in anything illegal at the car lot, but knowing it would pay better, she ultimately relented. She and Mark have been reaping the rewards ever since, resulting in electricity brewing between the pair. However, Mark risked scuppering their thriving dynamic when he let Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) get into his head about how he is taking all the risks on the business end while Lauren gets off scot-free.
The Test That Backfired
As a result, Mark set Lauren a test, which backfired dramatically and left her terrified, fracturing their relationship. This animosity continued in Monday's (July 20) visit to Albert Square, with Mark warning Lauren off delivering their latest motor as he did not want her to face any potential danger. But amid their argument, he left the garage without the new number plates on the car.
To make matters worse, Mark was pulled over by police and forced to get out of dodge, hightailing it to client Sonny's dad's work site. When he got a moment, he phoned Lauren, pleading with her to take the fake plates and the tools he left at the Arches to his location. Lauren complied, and it did not take long before chemistry ensued, with the pair sharing a series of passionate kisses.
The Boxing Den Meeting
Once back at the Square, Mark instructed Lauren to meet him at the Boxing Den if she wants anything further to happen. If she did not turn up, he would know she was not interested. But after some deliberation, Lauren arrived, shutting the blinds of the office.
The above pictures, taken from Tuesday's (July 21) edition of the BBC One soap, indicate what happens next as Lauren continues to wrestle with her emotions. Will she cheat on Peter with Mark? Is this the beginning of a passionate affair? Fans have long suspected that these two would embark on a secret relationship after a flashforward episode – which previewed events from New Year's Day 2027 – implied such a thing.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
