Could Mark and Lauren’s affair destroy their lives in EastEnders?
Mark and Lauren are desperate to keep their affair secret in EastEnders, but Ned’s blackmail is already putting their lives under pressure
Mark Fowler and Lauren Branning are discovering that keeping their affair secret could come at a much higher price than they expected in EastEnders.
Their relationship was exposed to Ned Hawkins, who quickly realised he could use the information to his advantage. Rather than revealing the affair immediately, Ned has forced Mark to carry out his demands, leaving Mark caught between protecting his relationship with Lauren and preventing the truth from coming out.
Lauren has urged Mark to do whatever is necessary to keep their secret safe, but his decision to comply with Ned has already had serious consequences.
Mark attacked Ryder after being pressured by Ned, dragging someone else into a situation that began with his own choices.
The danger for Mark and Lauren is that each attempt to contain the affair creates another problem.
Ned now has leverage over them, and there is no guarantee that he will stop making demands simply because Mark has followed his instructions.
Viewers have been particularly critical of Mark’s decisions.
One fan wrote: “Mark is disgusting. He didn’t have to do this and only did it because he thinks Lauren will leave him if the affair comes out.”
The comment reflects the frustration surrounding his decision to put Ryder at risk rather than face the consequences of his actions.
Lauren is also vulnerable. Her determination to protect the affair could leave her increasingly dependent on Mark’s decisions, even when those decisions cause harm elsewhere.
The situation could become even more complicated if Lauren’s investigation into Ned’s past uncovers something that threatens his hold over them. But challenging Ned could also give him another reason to expose their relationship.
Mark and Lauren may believe they can keep the truth hidden, but Ned has already shown that their secret can be used against them.
Could their affair ultimately cost them their relationships, their reputations and their place in Walford?
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer. Image credit: BBC.
