EastEnders reveals new challenge for Lauren and Mark as secret affair begins

EastEnders has revealed that Lauren Branning and Mark Fowler will face a new challenge as they begin their affair, and the pair will need to be careful if they want to keep their secret.

Although Lauren is married to Peter Beale, she has had feelings for Mark for some time, and he has reciprocated. The chemistry and tension have been palpable, to the point that Peter has suspected something is going on.

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The fling looked set to end as Mark considered leaving Walford altogether, though he eventually decided to stay in Thursday's (24 September) episode of the BBC soap. With him planning to stay in East London, the pair resumed their affair.

This will continue in Monday's (28 September) episode, with Lauren and Mark having a close call as Phil returns home. She is forced to hide out of sight, though they quickly arrange another secret meeting.

This one is also interrupted, with Max coming between them. Lauren, however, is hell-bent on seeing Mark before she goes on a trip, and they manage to strike a deal with Cindy to meet at The Albert.

Peter, meanwhile, visits his father, Ian, who is still serving time in prison. He insists that he and Lauren are doing well in their marriage, unaware that she is currently with Mark.

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Ian has been imprisoned for a few months, but it has already been revealed that he will be back in Albert Square in the coming weeks. His return will air on 7 October, though the effects of his time behind bars will become clear.

Elsewhere, it has also been confirmed that there will be a twist involving Ash Panesar, who has just returned to Albert Square after a few years in Canada. Her marriage has ended, though she hasn't yet told her family.

EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

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