Sex scandal rocks EastEnders and this couple will turn lives upside down

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 23, 2026 11:33am Updated September 23, 2026 11:33am One thing led to another – as a shock affair commenced (Picture: BBC / Metro) EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (September 23) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. After months of resisting the chemistry between them, passion ensued between Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple). The two characters have been fighting with every fibre of their beings not to act upon the sparks, although they did share a kiss earlier in the year. When Peter Beale (Thomas Law) came to suspect that something was going on, Lauren covered her tracks – with an alternative story about her and Mark being in cahoots professionally – but, fearing an affair would ensue, she asked Mark to leave Walford for the sake of her family. Despite how much he wanted to stay, Mark agreed to do as Lauren asked, leaving the Square. However, after a few weeks he returned – albeit to say a proper goodbye this time, informing Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) that he is planning on moving back to Florida. His comeback left Lauren on edge, especially since she found herself on the receiving end of Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) wrath, with husband Peter taking his mum’s side instead of hers when a public showdown ensued in the Albert. Lauren and Mark gave into temptation (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Lauren stormed out, with Mark giving chase. The two shared a moment as Lauren lamented over how Peter never fights for her. With the prospect of Mark leaving never to return, Lauren resolved to give into temptation for one night only – as Mark led the way to the Boxing Den. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Once they were alone in the office, passion ensued. The question is: will Peter find out about her betrayal? Passion ensued in the Boxing Den (Picture: BBC /Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Lauren has desperately tried to resist following in dad Max’s (Jake Wood) footsteps by cheating on her partner and blowing up a family so will she come to regret taking things further with Mark? We know that, despite what he said, Mark does stick around in Walford given that he was in the flashforward – which takes place on January 1 2027. Will his presence in the Square scupper any chance Peter and Lauren have of making their marriage work? Deals of the Day Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale 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 From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Cindy takes revenge on Lauren in EastEnders after huge bombshell – with a shock outcome Arrow MORE: EastEnders return confirmed amid shock exit as new spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: EastEnders legend Jo Joyner returns to set and fans are freaking out The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.