EastEnders’ Mark Fowler Jr star ‘flooded’ with support after career annoucement

EastEnders star Stephen Aaron-Sipple says he “very lucky” after quitting “dream” job

EastEnders actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple has announced his departure as a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade following his casting as Mark Fowler Jr.

Soap enthusiasts will recall that Mark made his return to Walford on January 22, with Stephen stepping into the role previously held by Emmerdale’s Ned Porteous, and the character has brought nothing but chaos since arriving battered and bloodied.

Subsequent episodes revealed that Mark, the son of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully), is entangled with a criminal drugs gang and has fallen under suspicion of being a police grass.

Mark sought assistance from his uncle, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), to identify the real informant, who viewers know is Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

Mark has already shared scenes with his sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), deceiving her by claiming he’d returned to Walford to support her during the court proceedings involving Joel Marshall (Max Murray), reports OK!.

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Beyond EastEnders, actor Stephen has spoken candidly about his firefighting career. In a touching Instagram post on Friday (January 30), Stephen revealed he has now departed his position with the London Fire Brigade after a decade of service.

The soap star explained that he pursued his “dream” of becoming a firefighter to provide security for his young family before his acting career took off.

In a heartfelt post accompanied by a series of photos from his time as a firefighter, Stephen shared: “Quick story…10 years ago I was a struggling actor….my daughter was born, and my family needed stability, a word not used very often in the acting world….I was very lucky to be able to fulfil another childhood dream and became a London Firefighter.

“A job that has taught me so much, about myself, about life, about loss, about gratitude….it gave me a home away from home with some of the greatest, bravest and most giving people in the world….we experienced together, we rescued together, we mourned together, we laughed through the tough times and were shoulders through the tougher times.”

The EastEnders star continued: “Although I move onto the next chapter of my journey, to be able to tell stories, hopefully to entertain and intrigue people with my performances….I say goodbye to the place that helped me become the person I am. F32 Stoke Newington Red Watch.

“I Love you Brothers and Sisters, I hope I always make you proud. FF Sipple Fall out.”

Friends and fans wasted no time in showering Stephen with well-wishes, with one person writing: “You’re one of the best men I know, deserve every success in life.”

Another chimed in: “I made the cut! What a day that was, hey. London was on fire. Have the best time on your next adventure, you’re going to smash it.”

A third fan joined the chorus of praise, saying: “Well done brother! Awesome to watch your journey”, while another gushed: “Oh my God, that’s amazing, here you are now, Shining star, well deserved mate, all the love.”

“Congratulations, Stephen! ! Best of luck!”, cheered another supporter, while one individual declared: “Nice one bro! From church Street to Albert square. Good luck brother.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer

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