OMG SHOCKING!!!EastEnders’ Mark Fowler star has a very surprising second career worlds away from TV
Stephen Aaron-Sipple is currently stomping around Albert Square, looking for the grass that’s covertly working against his shadowy underworld boss while unknowingly buddying up with said-grass as Mark Fowler Jr in EastEnders.
In his earlier career, though, Stephen found that working in showbiz hardly came with a ton of stability. With a young daughter and a family to support, he entered another industry entirely and became a firefighter.
Taking to Instagram to upload a number of snaps throughout his career in the emergency services, his post was flooded with supportive comments from his former co-workers.
‘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 began the caption.
‘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…
‘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’
Former co-worker, Vicki, commented: ‘I made the cut! What a day that was hey. London was on fire. Have the best time on your next adventure, you’re going to smash it’
Another colleague in the fire service, Matty, added: ‘We both shared an amazing 10 years at stoke. A lot of funny memories and good experiences. Something poetic about us both joining, being at stoke and leaving together lol. Best of luck to you in the acting world. Looking forward to seeing how your story develops on EastEnders, you’ll smash it’
Owen, with whom Stephen has clearly shared a sporting rivalry posted: ‘All the best me ol’ mate… buzzing for you and you deserve every success! Still couldn’t ever beat me at table tennis though’
Stephen wasn’t about to let this lie, cheekily replying: ‘you guna stick with this lie?’
Another co-worker, Luke, recalled first meeting Stephen: ‘All the best our lad, I remember you joining as the ‘big’ (chubby) young guy and becoming the hunky man you are now! You deserve the big break after your persistence and hard work. Proud of you big man, go and smash it’.
The sweet comments continued to come: ‘I absolutely hate that you are so, so good in the show. That big screen is calling. Well played, brother. More than well deserved. Always been a pleasure. Congratulations’.
Richie added: ‘Very nicely written and from the heart. Great times and great achievements that will never be forgotten. I wish you every success in following your dreams and hopefully we will see more of you on the box, you deserve every success in your new chapter. Best wishes’