AN EASTENDERS hunk has been hailed an “endless inspiration” after revealing he switched up his early acting career to become a fireman.

The BBC star’s secret job came to light on Instagram, as he admitted he was “struggling” to find paid work on-screen.

Last month, actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple was confirmed as the new Mark Fowler Jr in the BBC soap after making his mysterious debut in the New Year’s Day flash forward episode.

The star – who has also appeared in Netflix fantasy drama The Witcher – previously opened up about his weight loss after shedding a whopping six stone.

Now he has shed light on his secret career with the emergency services.

He uploaded a series of snaps showing him in his fireman’s outfit, including him posing by the engine and with his team.

In his lengthy caption, he explained the reason for his very important side hustle and wrote: “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.

“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.

“It gave me a home away from home with some of the greatest, bravest and most giving people in the world….we experienced together, we rescued together, we mourned together, we laughed through the tough times and were shoulders through the tougher times”.

Referring to his new role in the Walford-based soap he added: “Although I move onto the next chapter of my journey, to be able to tell stories, hopefully to entertain and intrigue people with my performances.

“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”.

One user was quick to react and wrote: “Iconic and an endless inspiration”.

Another colleague wrote: “All the best me ol mate… buzzing for you and you deserve every success”.

A user then posted: “Nice one bro! From Church Street to Albert Square. Good luck brother”.

One added: “Good luck with the next chapter buddy. Everything is a stepping stone for greater achievements”.

Last month, Stephen made his full-time debut at Mark.

The role was previously played by Ned Porteous, who now plays Joe Tate in Emmerdale.

ALL CHANGE

Recently, Stephen candidly opened up on his weight loss.

He told Men’s Health: “When my daughter was born, I piled on the weight very quickly because I suddenly stopped exercising.

“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”.

He was diagnosed with diabetes at 29 and describes it as a “serious punch in the face”.

He added: “I had abused my body so much that a part of it stopped working properly. An early death was the lightbulb moment I needed to really take back control of my health.”

The actor revealed he began by eating fewer carbs before cutting down on the amount of fat he was eating, increasing his protein intake and eventually eliminating sugar from his diet.

In the space of a year he lost a total of 93 pounds – almost seven stone – to hit his new weight of 13.5 stone.