EastEnders actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple has made a surprising revelation about his casting process for the BBC soap, disclosing that producers kept a crucial character detail completely secret from him during his audition. The performer, who recently joined the long-running drama as the recast Mark Fowler Jr, was not informed about which iconic Walford resident he would be portraying until after he had successfully landed the role.
A Deliberate Mystery During Auditions
According to Aaron-Sipple, when he initially auditioned for the part that would bring him back to Albert Square, BBC executives deliberately withheld the information that he was trying out for the role of Mark Fowler Jr. This meant the actor went through the entire audition process without knowing which established character from EastEnders' extensive history he might potentially play, creating an unusual and suspenseful situation for the performer.
"When I auditioned, I wasn't told it was for Mark Fowler Jr, so when it was confirmed, it was a very exciting moment," Aaron-Sipple explained about the surprising revelation that came only after he secured the part. This approach mirrors how the soap initially introduced the character to viewers, with Aaron-Sipple first appearing in a flashforward episode earlier this year without any immediate clues about his identity.
Returning to Walford After a Decade
The role of Mark Fowler Jr represents a significant return to EastEnders after a ten-year absence from the screens, with the character previously portrayed by Emmerdale star Ned Porteous during his earlier stint in Walford. Aaron-Sipple's casting marks a fresh interpretation of the character, who returns alongside his sister Vicki Fowler to reestablish connections in the fictional London borough.
The actor described the experience of joining the established cast as "absolutely incredible," particularly highlighting moments working alongside veteran performers including Steve McFadden, Gillian Taylforth, and Adam Woodyatt. "I have had so many moments on set where I have to step back and really take in that I get to perform with these amazing actors," he shared about the surreal transition from viewer to cast member.
A Transformed Character Emerges
Aaron-Sipple has indicated that viewers should prepare to see a substantially different version of Mark Fowler Jr compared to the character last seen in 2016. "Mark is very different," the actor revealed. "Ten years ago, Mark had a little bit of an edge to him, but during his time away, life has definitely hardened him, so we're going to see a new side to him."
This transformation includes developing complex relationships with established characters, particularly with his uncle Phil Mitchell despite having limited previous connection to the Mitchell family, including his father Grant Mitchell. "Mark is trying to pull on every string he can," Aaron-Sipple explained about his character's motivations. "He might not associate himself with the Mitchells, but he knows the value they hold in the world he operates."
An Emotional Arrival on the Square
The actor described a particularly memorable moment during his first day filming on the iconic EastEnders set, requesting time to simply walk around Albert Square and absorb the atmosphere. "On my first day, I had a break in my filming schedule and asked if I could go onto Albert Square, walk around, and just breathe it all in," he recalled. "It was a very surreal moment, growing up watching it on the TV, to then be stood there. It's a moment that I won't forget."
This behind-the-scenes revelation about the secretive casting process provides intriguing insight into how EastEnders producers manage major character returns and recasts, maintaining suspense not just for viewers but sometimes even for the actors themselves until contracts are signed and production begins in earnest.
