A mystery new character in the EastEnders flashforward episode was in the credits as ‘man’, played by actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple, and BBC soap fans think they know who he is
20:05, 01 Jan 2026Updated 20:59, 01 Jan 2026
A mystery new character in the EastEnders flashforward episode was in the credits as ‘man'(Image: BBC)
An unknown man in EastEnders‘ flashforward episode has sparked new theories, ahead of his identity being confirmed.
Credited as “man” in the credits, the new character is played by actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple. He has yet to debut on the BBC soap so his existence on New Year’s Day 2027 is very confusing.
He seemed to know the Beales and the Brannings well, with Max shown smiling and waving at him. Then, when Max was arrested by police, he was stood with Oscar, Jack and Lauren Branning, as well as Ian and Peter Beale.
Not only did they stand with him as though they were close and he was just as much a part of the group as anyone else, but he spoke too. He asked Jack about Max’s arrest, but there was absolutely no clue as to who he is and why he is there.
Could he be a new character who gets to know them all? Is he a recast of a family member? Is he a new pal or flame to one of the characters? Fans believe they know who he might be.
READ MORE: EastEnders fans ‘figure out’ pregnant woman in bed with Max after recent sceneREAD MORE: EastEnders fans ‘work out’ who baby Ethan’s parents are – and it’s not Jack
An unknown man in EastEnders’ flashforward episode has sparked new theories(Image: BBC)
Taking to X, fans predicted he would be Lauren Branning’s new flame, in a possible affair twist. One fan said: “LAUREN IS SO HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THIS MAN.”
Another agreed: “Lauren is having it away with the random man next to Oscar. Guaranteed!” A third added: “Who the fuck is he? Other than ABSOLUTELY the man Lauren is having an affair with…”
It comes as fans think they know who the pregnant woman is in Max’s bed. Max was seen waking up in the year 2027. As he rolled over, there was a woman also waking up, but her identity was covered.
She had a baby bump though which she was caressing, and the camera then panned to a baby scan as well as pregnancy supplements. After a recent random scene this week on the BBC soap, fans think it was a major hint at what was ahead.
With so much more to be explained, it hasn’t stopped fans thinking Chelsea Fox is the pregnant character in Max’s bed. Just days ago she suggested she found him attractive, so fans think this was the clue that she would be the woman.
Credited as “man” in the credits, the new character is played by actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple(Image: BBC)
Sharing their theories on social media in reply to the preview, fans noticed the woman appeared to sigh. One fan said: “Sounds like Chelsea that does.”
Another view agreed: “Sounds like Chelsea,” as a third said: “Honestly it kinda sounds like Chelsea sighing.” A further comment read: “That’s Chelsea sighing.”
The comments kept on coming too with another reading: “Gotta be Chelsea, she’s not been in a big story line for a while.” One fan said: “Priya or Chelsea definitely involved!”
Another said: “That sounded like Chelsea,” as a fan admitted: “Oh, that sounds like Chelsea!” A final comment said: “That’s got to be Chelsea in bed with Max Branning in 2027.”
Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group
As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you’ll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone.
Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group.
We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .