Television fame does not always come easily for actors, who often face challenges securing steady roles. Stephen Aaron-Sipple, recently cast as Mark Fowler Jr. in the popular BBC soap EastEnders, openly shares how he turned to firefighting during a tough period in his career.
From Struggling Actor to London Firefighter
A decade ago, Sipple faced difficulties landing paid acting jobs. With his daughter’s birth, he prioritized family stability—a rarity in the acting industry. He pursued a childhood dream and joined the London Fire Brigade.
Sipple recently shared photos on Instagram wearing his firefighter uniform, posing beside a fire engine and with his colleagues. In a detailed caption, he reflected: “Quick story… 10 years ago I was a struggling actor….my daughter was born, and my family needed stability, a word not used very often in the acting world.”
He continued: “I was very lucky to be able to fulfil another childhood dream and became a London Firefighter a job that has taught me so much, about myself, about life, about loss, about gratitude.”
Sipple praised his team at F32 Stoke Newington Red Watch, calling them “some of the greatest, bravest and most giving people in the world.” He highlighted shared experiences: “We rescued together, we mourned together, we laughed through the tough times and were shoulders through the tougher times.”
Transition to EastEnders Role
Earlier this year, Sipple appeared in EastEnders‘ New Year’s Day flash-forward episode before landing the role of Mark Fowler Jr. As he bids farewell to firefighting, he expressed excitement for his acting future: “Although I move onto the next chapter of my journey, I look forward to telling stories, hopefully to entertain and intrigue people with my performances.”
To his former crew, he wrote: “I say goodbye to the place that helped me become the person I am. F32 Stoke Newington Red Watch. I love you, Brothers and Sisters. I hope I always make you proud. FF Sipple Fall out.”
Acting Background
Sipple’s screen credits include short films and supporting roles in shows like Cuckoo, The Outlaws, and The Witcher. He also starred in the Danish crime series Oxen from 2023 to 2025.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
