Unexpected EastEnders exit as star leaves Walford less than a year after dramatic debut
An unexpected departure
EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s (August 6) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.
Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) made the ultimate sacrifice for Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), departing Walford after she asked him to do so.
Lauren, as fans know, is falling hard for Mark, who she went into business with earlier this year in a bid to win a bet with dad Max (Jake Wood) and secure a stake in the car lot.
After resisting the chemistry between them for months, Mark and Lauren shared a number of passionate kisses and contemplated taking things further.
Lauren, however, ultimately resisted doing so, fearful of the impact an affair would have on Peter Beale (Thomas Law), who was already becoming suspicious about what she was up to.
When Peter interrupted a tense moment between her and Mark earlier this week, Lauren covered her tracks by revealing the lesser sin, confirming she’s been selling dodgy motors with the former gangster.
The revelation stunned Peter to his core and he subsequently asked Lauren to give him some space as he worked out if they had a future or not.
Lauren, meanwhile, took it upon herself to meet with Mark, telling him that if he truly feels anything for her then he’ll leave the Square at once.
Mark was conflicted on what to do for the best but, seeing firsthand the impact that Peter and Lauren’s falling out was having on Louie, he resolved to do as Lauren asked.
In emotional scenes, Mark said goodbye to sister Vicki (Alice Haig) – who was devastated to hear he was leaving – as he got into a cab and left Walford.
If you’ve been watching EastEnders closely, however, you’ll know that this exit isn’t a permanent one, with Mark set to feature in the events that take place on New Year’s Day – as teased in the flashforward episode earlier this year – which means he will be back.
The question is: are his feelings for Lauren pivotal in why he stages a comeback? You’ll just have to keep watching to find out!
