‘Very vulnerable’ Mark to unveil new side as Lauren situation ‘intensifies’ in EastEnders

Mark Fowler Jr’s (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) feelings for Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) reach new heights in EastEnders next week as he drops his guard like never before, but with Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) all caught up in the fallout, things are anything but straightforward.

The pair have spent weeks growing closer through their dangerous stolen car scheme, despite Lauren’s relationship with Peter, and next week’s episodes see their complicated bond become even harder to ignore.

Trying to convince herself she isn’t interested, Lauren attempts to act completely unfazed by Mark. But he’s determined to get a reaction.

After spotting Lauren with Peter, Mark deliberately flirts with one of Jack Branning’s female colleagues in front of her in a bid to make her jealous.

It’s a risky move, but his plan doesn’t last long when Lauren’s attention is diverted by one of the stolen cars instead.

According to actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple, Mark’s behaviour is driven by heartbreak rather than confidence.

‘He’s trying to get Lauren’s attention, just in completely the wrong way! Seeing her with Peter has hurt him, so he makes a bad decision and tries to make her jealous.’

Peter is quick to notice something isn’t quite right between the pair and begins questioning Lauren, but she brushes off his concerns.

That is until Peter makes a discovery on Lauren’s phone.

As suspicion mounts, Mark finally decides it’s time to stop hiding how he feels and admits his true feelings to Lauren.

Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Just as Mark opens his heart, Peter arrives and interrupts the moment before Lauren can properly respond.

The interruption leaves Mark completely exposed.

‘Very vulnerable,’ Stephen explained. ‘Mark likes to be in control, but in that moment he’s completely exposed. Not only has he admitted how he feels, but he’s also left without an answer from Lauren, which is something he’s really not used to.’

Unable to dodge Peter’s questions forever, Lauren eventually admits the truth.

She confesses that she and Mark have been dealing in stolen cars together, forcing Peter to confront just how deeply the pair have become involved.

Things only get messier when Max and Cindy arrive, leaving Lauren with no choice but to tell Max everything that’s been going on.

Meanwhile, after his recent fallout with Cindy, Jack attempts to give Max some much-needed encouragement as he tries to move forward.

But Lauren’s problems are far from over.

After another encounter with Max, she finds herself spiralling once again, while Penny encourages her to stop pretending and admit how she really feels about Mark.

Lauren, however, remains hopelessly torn between the life she’s built with Peter and the undeniable connection she shares with Mark.

For Mark, the attraction goes much deeper than chemistry.

‘Beyond the physical attraction, Mark sees Lauren as his equal,’ Stephen said. ‘She challenges him, stands up to him, and isn’t intimidated by him. He’s always been surrounded by strong females, so there’s something about Lauren’s strength and honesty that really draws him in.’

He added: ‘They already make a great team. There’s a lot of mutual respect between them, and neither of them judges the other. They could make a great couple and, in another world, maybe they already would be. The problem is there are quite a few obstacles standing in their way right now!’

As Peter and Lauren’s relationship grows increasingly strained, Mark learns about the tension between them and sees another opportunity to reach out.

Hopeful that Lauren might finally be ready to choose him, he seeks her out.

Instead, she challenges Mark to prove just how much she means to him.

Elsewhere, Cindy summons Max to The Vic, where the former couple manage to reconcile. However, their truce is short-lived when Mark turns up and clashes with Max over Lauren, adding yet another layer to the growing family drama.

Later, an emotional conversation with Louie leaves Mark feeling guilty as the youngster struggles with everything happening between his parents.

It’s another reminder of the consequences of his actions, particularly after involving Lauren in the illegal car operation.

That guilt has been building for some time, according to Stephen.

‘Absolutely. He felt guilty about it when he was doing it with Sam, and as he and Lauren have grown closer, that guilt has only intensified.’

By the end of the week, Lauren is left stunned when Peter asks to meet and reveals that Mark has already told him the truth. But how much did he really tell him?