In the latest episode of EastEnders (February 26, 2025), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) was shocked to discover that his long-lost son, Mark Fowler Jr, is aware that he is his biological father.
Grant first met Mark nearly ten years ago but decided to stay out of his life, believing it was for the best. However, during a conversation with his ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), he was stunned to learn that Mark had already been told the truth—without Grant ever knowing.
Sharon reminded Grant that Mark is now an adult, meaning his mother, Michelle Fowler (previously played by Sue Tully and Jenna Russell), no longer has control over the situation. Despite this, Grant pointed out that Mark had never reached out to him. When he noticed Mark’s name in Sharon’s address book, he seemed deep in thought, sparking speculation that a reunion could be on the horizon.
Who is Mark Fowler Jr?
Mark Jr was born in 1996 after a one-night encounter between Grant and Michelle. She later moved to the U.S., keeping the identity of Mark’s father a secret from almost everyone—except her brother Mark Fowler Sr (Todd Carty).
Two decades later, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) stumbled across a letter from Michelle in Sharon’s bag, meant for the late Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor), which revealed the truth about Mark’s paternity. However, Sharon and Mark’s uncle, Martin (James Bye), convinced Phil not to tell Grant. When Phil eventually contacted Mark, Michelle told her son that Phil had lied, further complicating the situation.
Mark later arrived in Walford, bonding with his extended Fowler family. However, things took a dramatic turn when he developed feelings for Grant’s daughter, Courtney (Alice Nokes), unaware that they were half-siblings. Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) intervened just in time to prevent things from going too far, and soon after, Mark was sent back to the U.S.
Before leaving, Mark got the chance to interact with Grant while helping him rescue his nephew Ben (then played by Harry Reid) from Paul Coker’s killers. Afterward, Phil finally told Grant that Mark was his son, but Grant chose not to reveal the truth to Mark. Instead, he listened as Mark fondly spoke about the father who raised him and decided to keep quiet. However, Mark later figured out the truth on his own, and Sharon advised him to stay away from Grant. Since then, Mark has remained in the U.S.
Could Mark Jr Return to Walford?
There has been no official confirmation that Mark will return, but fans are speculating that recent events could bring him back. With Grant preparing to leave for Portugal, a father-son reunion might not be on the cards just yet. However, Mark still has plenty of family in Walford, including the Mitchells and his Beale-Fowler relatives.
The tragic death of his uncle Martin in EastEnders’ recent live episode is another factor that could prompt Mark’s return. His sister Vicki (Alice Haig) and cousin Bex (Jasmine Armfield) will be attending the funeral—could Mark decide to pay his respects too?
If Mark Jr does return, the role will likely need to be recast, as former actor Ned Porteous is currently starring in Emmerdale as Joe Tate.
Will we see a new face step into the role of Mark Fowler Jr? Fans will have to wait and see!
