BBC Share By Claire Crick Jan 22 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 22 2026 Mark Junior's back... but what's he hiding? How his EastEnders comeback leads to Joel's return next week Mark needs help, but why? Mark Fowler Jr Phil Mitchell Share By Claire Crick Jan 22 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 22 2026 Mark Fowler Jr made his triumphant return to EastEnders today (Thursday, January 22) after a decade away – and he brought with him a huge secret. It was recently announced that the character of Mark had been recast with actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple taking over the role. But little was known about his return storyline. Phil had a heart-to-heart with Nigel (Credit: BBC) EastEnders: Mark Jr ruined Phil’s Portugal plans Today’s episode saw Phil Mitchell struggling to juggle everything. First, he supported Sam as she underwent surgery for breast cancer, while also secretly planning to take Nigel to Portugal. Throughout the episode, Phil’s nearest and dearest worried there was something wrong as he acted out of sorts. It was only when Sam, post op, let slip that Phil was planning to leave Walford that the penny dropped. As Denise tried to stop him from making a huge mistake, Phil ignored her advice and booked a cab. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers However, a crisis of conscience left Phil asking Nigel if he wanted to go to Portugal, rather than ending up in a care home. Confused, Nigel said a trip abroad sounded like a great idea, not understanding that he wouldn’t be coming back. After an emotional moment between the old friends, Phil seemed to have made up his mind and was relieved when the cab driver knocked on the door. However, it wasn’t the driver – and instead a bloodied and bruised Mark Jr fell in the door, taking Phil by complete surprise. Phil was shocked to see Mark at his door (Credit: BBC) Mark’s link to Joel’s trial next week Before we could find out exactly whay has happened to Mark, the credits rolled. But next week’s spoilers reveal that Mark has a lot of explaining to do when he comes face-to-face with the rest of his family. As Vicki, Sam and Phil demand answers about why he is back and what sort of trouble he is in, Mark lies that he’s back to support Vicki as she faces Joel in court. However, he later tells Phil the truth. It’s got nothing to do with Joel and everything to do with some trouble he’s got himself caught up in. Mark asks his uncle Phil to help him, but he refuses, announcing he is taking Nigel to Portugal. However, when Julie gets home later that day, Mark makes a plan to keep Phil in Walfiord. He tells Julie all about Phil and Nigel’s trip to Portugal, leaving her stunned. Mark is back, but everyone is asking questions (Credit: BBC) The drama continues next week Vicki heads to court with Mark supporting her. However, it all becomes too much, and she rushes out of the trial. As Mark struggles to get himself out of his own troubles, will he be able to support his big sister at the same time? What else happened in EastEnders tonight? Before Mark threw a spanner in the works for Phil's Portugal plans, Sam had surgery for breast cancer. Elsewhere, Harvey tried to get Ian and Elaine to put their feud behind them, while Max tried to trap Jasmine into making a confession. Here's everything else that happened in EastEnders today... Jasmine opened up As Cindy and Max continuesd teir plan to expose Jasmine's lies, she continued her plans to leave Walford with Oscar. In a brief moment of vulnerability, Jasmine opened up to Oscar about her brother, who she revealed she had been separated from. Before she could say anything else, Oscar's phone rang, ruining the moment. Later, Max tried to trap Jasmine into revealing the truth about their supposed kiss, but she cottoned on to the fact that it was all a setup and Oscar was listening from the room next door. Harvey was the voice of reason In a surprising turn of events, Harvey managed to get Ian and Elaine to see that their business wars were ridiculous. He pointed out they'd be better off making an agreement that mutually benefited both of them. But their peace talks lasted minutes before the pair were fighting again. 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 22 2026 By Claire Crick Jan 22 2026 Next Story
