EastEnders actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple has opened up about the major health scare that prompted his remarkable seven-stone body transformation, revealing he was diagnosed with diabetes at just 29 years old.
From Health Crisis to Physical Transformation
The actor, who recently took over the role of Mark Fowler Jnr in the BBC soap, shared his journey on Instagram and in previous interviews with Men's Health magazine. Stephen described his diagnosis as "a serious punch in the face" that served as a wake-up call about his lifestyle choices.
"I had abused my body so much that a part of it stopped working properly," he admitted. "An early death was the lightbulb moment I needed to really take back control of my health."
The Turning Point
Stephen explained that his weight had fluctuated throughout his life, particularly after becoming a father. "When my daughter was born, I piled on the weight very quickly because I suddenly stopped exercising," he revealed. "Life outside of being a dad became about ease. Not exercising was the easy option. Getting takeaway was the easy option."
He acknowledged that choosing convenience over health had created both physical and mental challenges. "I didn't realize at the time, but me choosing the easy option when I was tired was me digging myself into a deeper hole mentally and physically."
The Transformation Journey
After his diabetes diagnosis, Stephen completely overhauled his approach to health and fitness. He joined a gym and significantly altered his diet, cutting out sugar to better manage his condition.
"I read everything and anything to do with fitness and healthy eating," he said. "And honestly, the simplest way to lose weight is to eat a little less and exercise a little more. I know, shocking, right?"
Mental Health Benefits
The physical changes brought unexpected psychological benefits. "Putting the right food in my body and exercising not only has made me feel better physically, but it has also helped me fight off years of anxiety and depression," Stephen shared.
He continued: "Life hasn't got easier, but I just feel better equipped to deal with it now. 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."
Maintaining Progress
Stephen also discussed the challenges of maintaining his transformation, revealing a valuable mindset shift that helped him stay on track. "I've been guilty of it in the past: A bad meal turns into a bad week, bad month, and then suddenly I'm back where I started, or worse," he confessed.
"But I got told something that helped transform my mindset: When you build a house, and you take a day off, you don't go back and knock down everything you already built, you just pick up where you left off."
EastEnders Return
Stephen's transformation comes as he takes on the iconic role of Mark Fowler Jnr in EastEnders, replacing previous actor Ned Porteous. The character returned to Albert Square in the New Year's Day flashforward episode, with his storyline set to unfold throughout 2026.
"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!" Stephen said about his casting.
Character Developments
EastEnders 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 flashforward episode, with the circumstances around his upcoming involvement with the Brannings set to unfold throughout the year."
Insiders suggest Mark Fowler Jnr's return involves significant drama, with the character reportedly involved in organised crime and tracking a police informant, setting up potential conflicts with established characters including Phil Mitchell and Ravi Gulati.
The character's mysterious behaviour and hidden secrets promise to create compelling storylines as Stephen brings both his transformed physique and acting talent to the long-running BBC soap opera.
