A new EastEnders star underwent an incredible body transformation that saw him lose almost seven stone.

Stephen Aaron-Sipple has joined the BBC soap as Mark Fowler Jr, son of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Michelle Fowler (Sue Tully).

Before landing this role, Stephen revealed how a health scare led him to make lifestyle changes – and shared the impressive transformation with his fans.

The actor faced a major shock aged 29 after he was diagnosed with diabetes.

Stephen previously told Men’s Health in 2019: ‘It was a serious punch in the face. I had abused my body so much that a part of it stopped working properly.

‘An early death was the lightbulb moment I really needed to take back control of my health.’

Stephen began his weight loss journey by joining a gym and eating less carbs than before.

He ate less fat, more protein and removed sugars for both his diet and diabetes diagnosis.

Meanwhile, Stephen faced an early struggle with weekends, having become ‘accustomed to’ drinking and ordering takeout meals.

After overcoming this obstacle, he began noticing results and had lost 70 pounds within a few months.

Stephen did not stop there, however, as he hired an online coach from Charlie Johnson Fitness.

This was to develop a nutrition and training plan that factored in his diabetes diagnosis.

He was now doing full-body workouts at the gym several days a week, as well as cardio.

Stephen said of this: ‘He would get in touch to ask about my progress, and you didn’t really want to let him down.’

Ultimately, he lost a whopping 93 pounds – just under seven stone –  to reach 189 pounds, having started off at 282.

Earlier this month, it was announced Stephen had been cast in the role of Mark Fowler Jr on EastEnders.

He replaces Emmerdale actor Ned Porteous – aka Joe Tate – who played Mark for a short stint in 2016

Ned, 31, is now well known for his role as conniving businessman Joe Tate on Emmerdale.

He initially starred in the ITV soap from 2017 to 2018, before returning in Christmas 2024.

It was teased the character would reunite with both sides of his family – Fowler and Mitchell – upon returning to Walford.

Discussing his casting, Stephen said: ‘Having grown up in East London, EastEnders has been in my life since childhood and I’m excited to be joining not one, but two iconic Albert Square families!

‘I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him.’

Executive producer Ben Wadey added: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Aaron-Sipple to EastEnders and bring Mark back to Albert Square.

‘Viewers had a glimpse of Mark in the New Years Day flash-forward episode, with the circumstances around his upcoming involvement with the Brannings set to unfold throughout the year.’

Reacting to Stephen’s casting, one fan wrote: ‘Yay! Cant wait to see Mark Fowler Jr on our screen again.’

Another added: ‘Mark Fowler JR was previously played by Ned Porteous, until he departed in a storyline where he learned that Grant Mitchell is his dad.’

A third said: ‘Well that’s is Grants son Mark junior… well bring back Grant!!!!’

 

EastEnders star reveals body transformation losing almost seven stone

 

New EastEnders star Stephen Aaron-Sipple underwent a major body transformation prior to joining the BBC soap

 

Stephen spoke to Men’s Health about his weight loss

 

The star showed off the impressive transformation

 

Stephen made his first on-screen appearance as Mark on New Year’s Day – but was unidentified at the time

 

He officially debuted on the soap last week – with a bruised and bloodied Mark coming face-to-face with his uncle Phil Mitchel