Mark Fowler Jr is back on EastEnders after 10 years, with new spoilers confirming he’s back in Walford.

But who is Mark, who is the new actor playing him and how is he related to Phil Mitchell? The last time Mark was in Albert Square, he was rocked by a DNA bombshell

Mark Jr is the son of Michelle Fowler and the brother of Vicki Fowler, making him the nephew of late characters Mark and Martin Fowler, and the grandson of Pauline and Arthur Fowler. But in a major twist in 2016, Mark found out his dad was none other than Grant Mitchell, with his sister being Courtney Mitchell.

The character had been played by actor Ned Porteous a decade ago, who now plays Emmerdale villain Joe Tate. The role has been recast, with Stephen Aaron-Sipple taking on the role.

 

When Mark shows up in Walford, he features in scenes with his uncle Phil Mitchell and aunt Sam Mitchell, as well as sister Vicki. Phil quizzes his nephew about his return, with Vicki also wanting answers.

The big mystery though is how he ends up linked to the Brannings. Mark has already been onscreen weeks ago, before his identity was even revealed to BBC viewers.

He was a random character in the Max Branning flashforward on New Year’s Day, which offered fans a glimpse of this day in 2027. In the episode he seemed very close to the Brannings, stood by Oscar Branning and having a chat with Jack Branning, following Max’s arrest.

Whatever leads to this apparent bond remains to be seen, but his appearance in January before the casting news was confirmed certainly sparked speculation and theories. Fans had wondered if Stephen would play Mark, while another theory was that they had recast Joey Branning.

Fans now believe he may have an affair with Lauren Branning to explain the weird link, especially as she is clearly hiding something in the flashforward. For now, spoilers have revealed Mark is very much involved with Vicki amid her court drama with her attacker, and stepson, Joel Marshall.

There are also scenes with Phil so perhaps we find out what’s gone on with Mark in his time away, and the fact that he’s ready to embrace his new family if he hasn’t already. After all, when he left he’d only just found out about Grant, and they didn’t even connect as father and son, and it seemed Grant was keeping it a secret from his daughter Courtney.