Soap fans were amazed by an EastEnders and Emmerdale 'crossover' - as a returning character was recast.

Many beloved soap stars played smaller roles in a rival show before coming to prominence, but sometimes this goes under the radar.

Over the weekend, EastEnders announced that Mark Fowler Jr - the son of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler - is returning to Albert Square.

Stephen Aaron-Sipple has taken over the role, with Mark set to join both sides of his family, including sister Vicki (Alice Haig).

For Mark's previous stay Walford in 2016, actor Ned Porteous played the character for 13 episodes. 

Ned, 31, is now well known for his role as conniving businessman Joe Tate on Emmerdale.

He initially starred in the ITV soap from 2017 to 2018, before returning in Christmas 2024.

Some viewers have been surprised to learn of Ned's former connection to EastEnders and Mark Fowler.

One penned: 'Still blows my mind that Ned Porteous was in #EastEnders before joining #Emmerdale as Joe Tate.'

Another commented: 'Never knew Joe Tate was in EastEnders first.'

While a third chimed in: 'Didn’t realise Joe was in EastEnders (Ned Porteous) and then he went to Emmerdale.'

Discussing his casting as Mark, new actor Stephen said: 'Having grown up in East London, EastEnders has been in my life since childhood and I’m excited to be joining not one, but two iconic Albert Square families! 

'I’m looking forward to viewers seeing why Mark is back, and what Walford has in store for him.'

Executive producer Ben Wadey added: 'We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Aaron-Sipple to EastEnders and bring Mark back to Albert Square. 

'Viewers had a glimpse of Mark in the New Years Day flashforward episode, with the circumstances around his upcoming involvement with the Brannings set to unfold throughout the year.'

Reacting to Stephen's casting, one fan wrote: 'Yay! Cant wait to see Mark Fowler Jr on our screen again.'

Another added: 'Mark Fowler JR was previously played by Ned Porteous, until he departed in a storyline where he learned that Grant Mitchell is his dad.'

A third said: 'Well that’s is Grants son Mark junior… well bring back Grant!!!!' 

As for Ned, his character Joe was recently featured in Corriedale - a one off crossover event between Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Joe became involved after Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) convinced him to help save Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) from a life-or-death situation.

Prior to this, Aaron had been kidnapped by his killer husband - and Robert's half-brother - John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).

The special featured a huge twist with Joe's mentor Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) making a surprise return from the dead. 

Graham spent most of the episode with his identity concealed, appearing only as a mysterious hooded figure in the back of a van.

It was only at the end, Joe appeared to get a glimpse of him from his hospital bed, before he slipped away.