The Fowlers and Mitchells are reeling from a surprise return next week – as Mark Fowler Jr settles back into Albert Square! The love child of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler quickly makes his presence felt as he reconnects with his families – but what’s the real reason for his visit?

“It’s been almost a decade since Mark Jr was last in Walford,” begins our EastEnders insider. “He seemed to be a chip off the old Mitchell block back then, and still seems to be taking after his dad 10 years later as it transpires he’s hiding a massive secret that could spell serious trouble for his relatives!”

Mark wasn’t raised in the Square, and was actually born in the United States. He was conceived as a result of an illicit one-night stand in The Vic in the mid-90s that filled Michelle with such shame, she fled the country.

A decade ago he came to visit his mum’s childhood home and discovered his true paternity, having believed Michelle’s husband Tim, who she met in America, was his biological father.

Mark, named after his mum’s beloved late big brother, has more on his mind than his complicated backstory as he gets reacquainted with his family next week.

There’s obviously a reason behind his unexpected reappearance, and everybody wants to know what it is. Under pressure from sister Vicki and uncle Phil, Mark starts talking…

“Mark is acting very strangely indeed, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Phil,” continues our source. “He’s clearly in trouble but assures Vicki he’s there to support her through Joel’s trial. However, it turns out there’s more to the story as he later confides in Phil what’s really going on…”

Phil can’t believe what his nephew has got caught up in. Mark desperately needs the kind of help that only a Mitchell can provide, but can he convince his estranged uncle to step up?

Mark’s timing is lousy, as Phil is about to whisk Nigel off to Portugal. Playing the family card, Mark pleads with Phil to get him out of this tight spot, but to no avail.

Adopting a new tactic, Mark realises he has to play dirty to save his own skin. There’s only one way to keep Phil in Walford, and that’s by going behind his back!

“Mark knows Phil hasn’t told Julie about his plan to take Nigel away,” says our insider. “He sneakily fills Julie in, knowing she’ll be angry and put a stop to it. It’s a risky move…”

Will Mark’s manipulation work, and will Phil and Nigel be forced to stay in Walford?