EastEnders fans are in for a dramatic week ahead as a surprise return from the past sends shockwaves through Walford and leaves Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) completely blindsided.
Next week’s episodes see a new-look Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) make an unexpected reappearance, and it doesn’t take long for tensions to rise as his true motives quickly come into question. While Mark initially claims he’s back in Albert Square to support Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) during Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) upcoming trial, it soon becomes clear that there’s far more going on beneath the surface.
As we imagine you’ve noticed, Mark Jr has a new face. With former actor Ned Porteous, currently menacing the Dales, Stephen Aaron-Sipple has stepped into the role.
‘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! I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him.’
Vicki is relieved to have Mark around during such a stressful time, believing she can finally lean on family. But behind the scenes, Mark wastes no time in seeking out Phil, and it’s here that the real reason for his return is revealed. Dropping the supportive act, Mark admits to Phil that his visit isn’t about Vicki at all. Instead, he needs Phil’s help, though exactly what for remains a closely guarded secret.
Phil, however, isn’t in the mood to be dragged into more drama. Already with one foot out of the Square, he makes it clear that he has no intention of getting involved. In fact, Phil tells Mark that he’s leaving Walford that very night, planning to head off to Portugal with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley). For Phil, it’s a chance to escape the chaos and ensure Nigel is comfortable with sunshine and sea air.
But Mark isn’t ready to let Phil disappear just yet.
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Realising time is running out, Mark makes a bold and risky move that could change everything. When Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) unexpectedly arrives home early, Mark seizes the opportunity to keep Phil exactly where he is. In a move that’s sure to cause major fallout, Mark drops a bombshell by revealing Phil’s secret plan to leave for Portugal with Nigel to Julie.
The revelation stuns Julie and throws Phil’s plans into immediate jeopardy. Caught out and furious, Phil is left reeling as his quiet escape unravels in front of him. The betrayal raises serious questions about Mark’s loyalty and how far he’s willing to go to get what he needs to get him out of the mysterious situation he’s in.
As Vicki, Phil and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) begin to piece together what’s really going on, Mark finds himself under intense scrutiny. With his lies starting to unravel, the pressure mounts for him to finally come clean. Why does he really need Phil’s help? And what has dragged him back to Walford after all this time?
For Phil, the shock return couldn’t come at a worse moment. Already juggling strained relationships and unresolved issues, Mark’s arrival threatens to pull him straight back into the very drama he was trying to leave behind. Meanwhile, Sam is quick to demand answers, suspicious of Mark’s sudden appearance and the chaos that seems to follow him.
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‘We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Aaron-Sipple to EastEnders and bring Mark back to Albert Square,’ EastEnders’ Executive Producer Ben Wadey said of Mark’s reappearance. ‘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.’
One thing is certain: Mark Jr has a lot of explaining to do, and Walford is about to feel the impact of his return. Whether Phil ends up staying put or finding another way to escape remains to be seen, but with the truth now out in the open, Julie will be sure not let them go without a fight.
