EastEnders star’s past career as a fireman after struggling to land acting jobs
The actor recently landed a new role on BBC hit soap EastEnders but her once 'struggled' to secure paid on-screen roles
EastEnders star past career exposed
Working in TV means regular fame and fortune for actors, however, it’s not always easy to continue getting roles in other TV shows or films.
An EastEnders star has opened up about the time he switched his early acting career for a career as a fireman. The BBC star’s hidden profession emerged after he confessed that he was “struggling” to secure paid on-screen roles.
Earlier this year, actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple was announced as the new Mark Fowler Jr in the BBC soap following his appearance in the New Year’s Day flash forward episode.
Earlier this year, actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple was announced as the new Mark Fowler Jr in the BBC soap following his appearance in the New Year’s Day flash forward episode.
The actor recently joined EastEnders but he admitted that he “struggling” to secure paid on-screen roles(Image: BBC)
In his lengthy caption, he outlined the motivation behind his second occupation, writing: “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”.
Discussing his new part in The Walford-based soap opera, he added: “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.
“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”.
Stephen began his career appearing in a range of short films and in minor roles in television series, including Cuckoo, The Outlaws and The Witcher.
He appeared in the Danish crime drama Oxen from 2023 to 2025, before joining the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Mark Fowler this year.
