EastEnders newcomer, portraying Mark Fowler Jr, opens up about his remarkable 7-stone weight loss journey
EastEnders newcomer Stephen Aaron-Sipple has shared details of his impressive transformation, losing nearly seven stone after a health wake-up call motivated him to completely change his lifestyle.
Stephen is set to take on the role of Mark Fowler Jr, returning to Albert Square after the character was recast, with Ned Porteous (formerly Emmerdale’s Joe Tate) stepping aside. Fans are keen to see what’s in store for the son of Walford legends Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Michelle Fowler (Sue Tully).
Stephen has also been open about his past struggles. Before joining the BBC drama, he chronicled his remarkable transformation on social media after losing a significant amount of weight following a diabetes diagnosis at 29.
“It was a real wake-up call – I had abused my body so much that part of it stopped working properly,” Stephen told Men’s Health in 2019. “Facing the possibility of an early death was the moment I needed to finally take control of my health.”
Stephen admitted he had grown “used to drinking and ordering takeout meals” before making major lifestyle changes and embracing fitness. He went on to lose an impressive 93 pounds and has maintained the weight loss ever since, crediting his success to working with an online trainer, according to The Mirror.
Speaking about joining the soap, Stephen said: “Having grown up in East London, EastEnders has always been a part of my life. I’m thrilled to be joining not one, but two iconic Albert Square families! I can’t wait for viewers to see why Mark is back and what’s in store for him in Walford.”
Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen Aaron-Sipple to EastEnders and bring Mark back to Albert Square.
“Viewers caught a glimpse of Mark in the New Year’s Day flashforward episode, and his storyline with the Brannings will continue to unfold throughout the year.”
Mark isn’t the only familiar face making a comeback next week, as another character returns in dramatic fashion.
Joel Marshall is set to reappear on our screens months after his arrest for shocking crimes, including the assault on Vicki Fowler. He must now face the courts for his actions, forcing Vicki to confront her attacker once again.
It promises to be a busy week on the soap, with a mix of new and returning characters. Vicki is anxious about the upcoming courtroom scenes and is further shocked when her brother Mark announces his return after being away for ten years.
The character, who learned in 2016 that Grant Mitchell is his father, will be seen alongside his uncle Phil Mitchell during his comeback. Vicki is reunited with her brother, but it doesn’t take long before she and others start demanding answers about his sudden return.
Initially misleading Vicki by claiming he’s there to support her during Joel’s trial, Mark quickly reveals his true intentions to Phil. He seeks help from his uncle, who declines, being busy assisting his friend Nigel Bates.
Mark eventually stands by Vicki in court as she prepares to face her attacker and stepson Joel, with Joel’s father, Ross Marshall, also present.
Joel returns to screens months after brutally attacking Vicki and leaving her for dead. Once his crimes were exposed, he was arrested and charged, and he now waits for his verdict.
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