(Credit: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron/Composite: EI) Share By Claire Crick Jan 19 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 19 2026 Who is Mark Fowler Jr and who are his parents? All you need to know as soap announces his return Everything you need to know about the returning character Grant Mitchell Mark Fowler Jr Stephen Aaron Sipple Vicki Fowler Share By Claire Crick Jan 19 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 19 2026 Mark Fowler Jr. is returning to our screens after a decade away. But, while he is yet to make his grand entrance on Albert Square, he has secretly already been spotted in Walford during Max’s New Year’s Day flashforward episode. Although we didn’t know it at the time, Mark was present in the scene where Max was arrested, and he was just credited at the end of the episode as ‘Man’. But why is he back, and what does he have to do with Max over the next 12 months? Here is everything you need to know… Michelle is Mark Jr’s mum (Credit: BBC screen grab) Who are Mark Fowler Jr’s parents? Mark is the son of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler. He was born in 1996 after the pair had a one-night stand, also making him the half-brother of Vicki Fowler and Courtney Mitchell. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Michelle kept the secret of who Mark’s father was tightly under wraps for years. In fact, the only person who knew the truth was Michelle’s older brother, the late Mark Sr. Michelle told him the truth about her fling with Grant before she left to live in America. Michelle named Mark Jr after his late uncle (Credit: BBC screen grab) Who is Mark Fowler Jr? Mark Jr. was born off-screen in 1996 and named after Michelle’s beloved older brother, Mark Fowler, played by Todd Carty. During his childhood, Michelle’s husband Tim raised Mark in America. Mark believed Tim was his father. The character arrived on Albert Square in 2016, after his uncle Phil contacted him following the death of Peggy Mitchell. Later, Mark joined Grant and helped rescue Phil’s son Ben Mitchell after kidnappers took him. It was only after this that Phil told Grant that Mark was his son. The truth about who he really was eventually came out when Mark developed a romantic connection with his half-sister, Courtney Mitchell. The families scrambled to stop the pair before they could make a terrible mistake, while also battling to keep the truth hidden. Grant came close to confessing the truth to Mark. However, a late-night chat in The Vic saw Mark unwittingly reveal that Tim was a great father and role model. Eventually, Mark worked out the truth himself and told Sharon. She urged him to avoid ruining his life by getting involved with volatile Grant. Mark then left Walford to join his mum in the United States, and Grant went back to Portugal. Later, Mark joined Vicki in Australia. Sharon talked to Grant about his son, Mark (Credit: BBC/Jack Barnes) When did someone last mention Mark on screen? Mark was last mentioned on screen in February 2025, when Grant was last in Walford. Sharon told Grant that Mark was aware he was his father and asked if he was going to reach out to his son. However, Grant decided to put the ball in Mark’s court, letting him decide when he was ready to get to know his biological dad. Could we see Grant return to Walford now that Mark’s back? Will Vicki Fowler be happy to have her brother back? (Credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Who plays Mark Fowler Jr? Actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple now plays the role of Mark Fowler Jr. TV fans recognise Stephen for his roles in The Witcher, Cuckoo, and The Outlaws. He was born and raised in East London and regularly performs his own stunts in TV shows. Stephen 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. Ned Porteus as Joe Tate in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV) When is Mark back in EastEnders? Stephen has been filming with the EastEnders cast since October. He will return to Walford to see his big sister Vicki later this month. Viewers know little about why Mark has returned or what he has been up to while he has been away. But, it soon becomes clear not all is as it seems. Speaking of his new role in EastEnders, Stephen Aaron-Sipple said: “Having grown up in East London, EastEnders has been in my life since childhood. “I’m excited to be joining not one, but two iconic Albert Square families! I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him.” Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: “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 Year’s Day flashforward episode, with the circumstances around his upcoming involvement with the Brannings set to unfold throughout the year.” 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 19 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 19 2026 Previous Story Next Story
Viewers know little about why Mark has returned or what he has been up to while he has been away. But, it soon becomes clear not all is as it seems.
