BBC Share By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 Are Mark and Zack actors related? EastEnders fans spot surprising resemblance One you see it, you can't un-see it! Mark Fowler Jr Zack Hudson Share By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 EastEnders fans are all talking about the arrival of Mark Fowler Jr, but it isn’t just why he is back and who beat him up that’s on everyone’s minds. Viewers also want to know if there is a link between newcomer Mark and long-running character Zack Hudson. After watching Stephen Aaron-Sipple arrive in Friday’s episode (January 23), fans were shocked to see the character sporting a beaten-up face. However, they also couldn’t help but notice that the new actor, Stephen, also bears a striking resemblance to James Farrar, the actor who plays Zach Hudson. Are EastEnders’ Mark and Zack actors related in real life? Here is everything you need to know… Are EastEnders’ Mark and Zack actors related? (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans spot a resemblance Viewers took to social media to share how much they thought the actors looked like one another… “The fact Zack and Mark look the same is throwing me off,: said one fan on X. Another added: “Zack has some serious competition now with Mark Fowler Jnr back!” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers A third viewer agreed: “Oh, is there going to be a Zack and Mark cross over are they somehow connected?” It’s only a matter of time before the characters cross paths, especially as Zach is getting closer to Mark’s sister, Vicky! Zach is close to Mark’s sister, Vicky (Credit: BBC) Are the EastEnders actors who play Mark and Zach related? No, while actors Stephen and James share a similar build and facial features, the pair aren’t related in real life. On screen, their characters Mark and Zach do share a murky link, however. While they aren’t directly related to one another, their families are closely connected. Mark’s half-sister Vicky is related to Zach’s half-sister Sharon through adoption. While little is known about Zach’s biological mother on EastEnders, it is believed Zach and Mark have completely different parents from one another. Vicky is the link between Mark and Zach in EastEnders (Credit: BBC) Who plays EastEnders newcomer Mark? TV fans recognise Stephen for his roles in The Witcher, Cuckoo, and The Outlaws. He was born and raised in East London and replaces actor Ned Porteus, who previously played the character. After leaving EastEnders, Ned went on to join the cast of Emmerdale, where he played Joe Tate between 2017 and 2018. He then returned to the soap at Christmas in 2024 and has been back in the Dales ever since. Why is Mark Fowler Jr back in Walford? When Mark turned up on Phil’s doorstep, it was clear that he had got himself into some kind of trouble. Monday’s episode (January 26 – available on iPlayer now) sees Mark reveal the real reason he is back. While he lies to his sister, Vicki, that he’s back to support her as she faces Joel in court, he’s not telling the truth. It turns out Mark is a true Mitchell and has got himself caught up in some serious trouble. He works for dangerous people in the drug world, but they have recently turned against him. Believing he is a police informant, they sent him a message by beating him up. But as we know… Mark isn’t the informant… Ravi is. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 26 2026 Previous Story Next Story
