Could a familiar face be returning to EastEnders? Fans are buzzing with excitement as speculation grows that Ned Porteous, who briefly played Mark Fowler Jr., could be headed back to Albert Square.

Ned, who’s currently known for his role as scheming Joe Tate in Emmerdale, first appeared in EastEnders back in 2016. His character, Mark Jr., is the son of Michelle Fowler and Grant Mitchell, born after a one-night stand and raised mostly in the United States. Mark Jr. made a short visit to Walford, bonding with his estranged father Grant, before heading back to America with Michelle a few weeks later.

But after Mark Jr.’s sudden mention during a recent EastEnders episode — where several Fowler family members gathered for Martin’s funeral — fans have been wondering if his return is on the cards. Michelle and Mark Jr.’s absence was explained with a simple phone call, but viewers aren’t convinced that’s the end of it.

During the emotional funeral scenes, many fans took to social media to share their theories and hopes for a big comeback.

“With Ned Porteous likely wrapping up his time as Joe in Emmerdale, and with Vicki Fowler being recast, will he be rehired as Mark Fowler?” one fan questioned on X (formerly Twitter).

Another added: “Another Mark Jr. mention… get him and Grant back on my screen this year, please!” They went on to say: “The number of times Mark Jr. has been name-dropped lately gives me hope for a return for both him and Grant later this year.”

A third fan simply wrote: “We need it ASAP!!!” while another mused, “Second name drop of Mark Jr. Hmm,” clearly picking up on what they believe are deliberate hints.

Could this be the soap’s way of laying the groundwork for a dramatic comeback?

Adding fuel to the fire is Ned Porteous’s current situation over on Emmerdale. His character Joe Tate has been absent from screens recently after fleeing to Dubai to recover from a kidney operation — after stealing the organ from his own uncle Caleb. Yikes.

However, Ned’s stint away from Emmerdale isn’t permanent. Joe is set to make a return to the Dales next week, although trouble awaits. Joe’s growing connection with local housewife Dawn and Caleb’s mounting suspicions suggest that his return will be far from smooth.

Still, with many fans speculating that Ned’s time in Emmerdale could be winding down, the door seems wide open for him to swap one dramatic soap for another. And with EastEnders known for surprising comebacks, it’s not out of the question.

Mark Fowler Jr.’s reappearance could open a fresh chapter for the Mitchell and Fowler families, both of whom have faced huge upheavals lately. With Ian Beale still reeling from his recent shooting (at the hands of Cindy, no less!) and the Mitchells in chaos over Nicola’s deadly secrets, Walford could definitely use another shock arrival to stir things up.

Whether or not Ned Porteous will actually return as Mark Jr. remains to be seen — nothing official has been confirmed by the BBC yet. But if the fan theories are anything to go by, viewers would welcome the comeback with open arms.