Stephen Aaron-Sipple has been officially announced as the latest actor to portray Mark Fowler Jr in BBC soap EastEnders, joining two of Albert Square's most iconic families.
The performer, who previously appeared in Netflix's fantasy series The Witcher, underwent a dramatic physical transformation before landing the role, shedding nearly seven stone following a life-changing health diagnosis.
At the age of 29, Mr Aaron-Sipple discovered he had diabetes, which he described as "a serious punch in the face" that served as a crucial wake-up call.
He told Men's Health: "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 Aaron-Sipple has joined EastEnders as Mark Fowler Jr
|BBC
The actor's weight gain began after his daughter was born, when exhaustion led him to abandon exercise and rely heavily on takeaway meals.
He told the publication: "I was so tired! Life outside of being a dad became about ease. Not exercising was the easy option.
"Getting [takeout] was the easy option. I don't like saying it about myself, but I chose the lazy option every time."
His transformation started with reducing carbohydrate consumption, followed by cutting down on fats whilst boosting his protein intake and eventually removing sugar entirely from his diet.
Stephen Aaron-Sipple made his EastEnders debut last week
|Mr Aaron-Sipple initially struggled with weekends, having grown accustomed to drinking and ordering takeaways, but persevered through this obstacle.
After shedding 70 pounds within several months, he enlisted an online coach from Charlie Johnson Fitness to create a bespoke nutrition and training programme that accommodated his diabetes.
The full-body gym sessions several times weekly, combined with cardio work, ultimately saw him lose a total of 93 pounds – dropping from 282 pounds to 189 pounds over the course of a year.
He told Men's Health: "It feels amazing. I grew up as the fat kid, and then chunky adult, not once did I ever think I would feel comfortable taking my top off."
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Beyond the physical changes, Mr Aaron-Sipple revealed that his lifestyle overhaul helped him combat long-standing mental health struggles.
He added: "Life hasn't got easier, but I just feel better equipped to deal with it now."
The actor credited his online coach with keeping him accountable throughout the process, noting: "He would get in touch to ask about my progress, and you didn't really want to let him down."
Mr Aaron-Sipple takes over the role from Ned Porteous, who portrayed Mark Fowler Jr during a brief stint in 2016 and has since become known for playing Joe Tate in Emmerdale.
Stephen Aaron-Sipple joins the soap as the son of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler
|BBC
The character, son of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler, first appeared in an unidentified capacity during the New Year's Day flash-forward episode before making his official debut last week with a bruised and bloodied face.
Speaking about his casting, Mr Aaron-Sipple 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!"
The storyline has since revealed Mark's involvement in organised crime, with the character working as a drug dealer and hired muscle whilst attempting to identify an informant within his criminal organisation.