Mark returns in EastEnders but has shattering news for gutted Lauren

| Freelance soaps writer Published September 15, 2026 10:00pm The trouble returns (Picture: BBC) Lauren Branning’s (Jacqueline Jossa) world is turned upside down in EastEnders next week when hunky Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) returns to Walford, igniting temptation yet again. The soap has been teasing a full-blown affair for the pair for months now, and it finally looked like it was about to come to fruition when they shared a kiss back in July. However, Lauren ultimately decided to stay loyal to her husband Peter Beale (Thomas Law), and told Mark that if he truly loved her as much as he claimed, he would leave Walford. Besotted Mark duly skipped town, much to the devastation of his sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). Lauren told Mark to leave Walford (Picture: BBC) But next week, Lauren is taken aback when she spots Mark from across the Square heading in to see Vicki at No.43. She wrongly believes Mark has returned for her and seeks him out, but she’s gutted to discover he’s only back to say goodbye to his family before leaving for Florida, where his mum Michelle Fowler lives. Seeing Mark again sparks yet more problems in Lauren’s marriage, as she and Peter argue about her prior knowledge of her dad Max Branning (Jake Wood) cheating on Peter’s mum Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). Meanwhile, during a birthday party at The Albert for Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), Cindy learns from her grandson Louie that Lauren knew about Max’s affair, and tempers soon flare. Lauren and Mark’s chemistry developed throughout this year (Picture: BBC) As a result, tensions remain high between Lauren and Peter, but as Mark prepares to leave Walford once again, Lauren finds herself torn between the two men. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Will she let Mark go, or will Lauren’s latest woes with Peter prove to be the catalyst for finally giving in to her feelings for him? Given that the New Year’s Day flashforward episode heavily hinted that Lauren was cheating on Peter, we know where we’re putting our money… Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 21st September at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: You’ve missed a lot of EastEnders clues for massive twist Arrow MORE: EastEnders shuts down ‘nonsense’ claim major star has quit Arrow MORE: Linda and Lauren set out to destroy Max after Priya affair exposed in EastEnders The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.