Bosses have confirmed Mark Fowler Jr, who is the son of Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) will be making his way back to Walford later this month, and fans think it’s a “great idea”.
But this time he will be played by Stephen Aaron-Sipple, who actually joined the cast in October.
Viewers were treated to a glimpse of Mark (who returns to be with his older sister Vicki Fowler and the Mitchell family) in the special flash-forward episode, which aired on New Year’s Day, placing him at the centre of the Branning’s unfolding drama.
Mark Fowler Jr is heading back to Walford to join his older sister Vicki Fowler and the Mitchell family later this month. Stephen Aaron-Sipple has taken on the role of Mark and joined the cast in October. Full story ➡️ https://t.co/dwgGJbYKR0 #EastEnders @BBC @BBCOne @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/X6yH0n8q0v
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 17, 2026
Stephen will be replacing Ned Porteous, who took on the role of Mark for a brief period 10 years ago.
Soap fans might recognise Ned as Joe Tate on Emmerdale in recent years.
Is Mark Fowler Jr returning to EastEnders?
Currently, EastEnders has teased that little is known about why Mark has returned to Albert Square and what he has been up to in the time he has been away, but it soon “becomes clear not all is as it seems”.
Mark’s connection to the Brannings is “set to unfold throughout the year”.
Stephen shared that 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”.
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Commenting on his arrival to the BBC programme, he added: “I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him.”
Meanwhile, executive producer Ben Wadey revealed: “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.”
Reacting to the announcement, this fan posted on Facebook: “So that answers everyone’s questions about the mysterious man with the Brannings.”
Another wrote: “This is a great idea to introduce Mark Jnr back into the square. We need him since losing Martin.
“Look forward to learning what the character has been up to & what he brings for future storylines.”
Someone else agreed: “Good choice to bring Mark back. After the loss of Martin, 12 months ago – still not over that.
“Hopefully he’ll fill that Fowler gap. Hopefully he’ll be back on that stall.”
Additionally, this account put: “Can’t wait to see what Mark’s return brings to the Branning family and the whole of Albert Square.”
Are you happy to see the return of Mark Fowler Jr on EastEnders? Let us know in the comments.
