EastEnders’ Courtney Mitchell Actress Transforms 10 Years After Leaving Soap
EastEnders fans are expressing their desire for the return of Courtney Mitchell as her brother, Mark Fowler Jr., makes a dramatic comeback to the BBC soap after a decade of absence. Mark, played by Stephen Aaron-Sipple, returns to a storyline filled with tension, involving dangerous criminals. His first episode aired on January 26, 2026, where he seeks counsel from his uncle, Phil Mitchell, portrayed by Steve McFadden.
Courtney Mitchell’s Past in EastEnders
Courtney Mitchell, born in 1997 to Grant Mitchell and Tiffany Mitchell, has had a storied history on EastEnders. Over the years, four different actresses have taken on the role. Initially, twin sisters Carissa and Josephine O’Meara portrayed baby Courtney from 1997 to 1999.
During Grant’s return in 2005, Courtney was then an 11-year-old, played by Megan Jossa. The character reemerged in 2016, portrayed by Alice Nokes, when Grant returned to Walford following the death of family matriarch Peggy Mitchell.
The Complicated Family Dynamics
In 2016, Courtney developed romantic feelings towards her brother Mark, unaware of their family connection. This storyline added a layer of complexity to their relationship, as both characters were oblivious to their shared parentage.
After a brief stint on the show, Courtney and Grant left Walford, relocating to Portugal. Since then, Courtney has not been seen on screen, leaving fans eager for her return.
Alice Nokes: A Flourishing Career
Alice Nokes, who portrayed Courtney Mitchell, has enjoyed a successful career following her time on EastEnders. Now 27, she has appeared in various television series and films.
- 2016 – Role of Kim Nees in Suspicion
- 2017 – Joined BBC One’s medical drama Casualty
- 2018 – Featured in Grandpa’s Great Escape and The Crone
- 2019 – Played Willa in Game of Thrones
- 2020 – Starred in The Killer Beside Me and an episode of Ted Lasso
- 2020 – Portrayed Anne Boleyn in The Spanish Princess
- 2021 – Appeared as Julie Pardoe in Dalgliesh
- 2022 – Took on the role of Kate Goodall in Father Brown
- 2022-2024 – Played Sophia Leigh
Fans Call for Reunification of Siblings
As Mark’s storyline unfolds, EastEnders viewers are increasingly vocal about wanting to see Courtney return. Social media platforms reflect this sentiment, with fans expressing their hopes for a reunion of the estranged siblings.
Comments from the audience include:
- “It’s a shame that Grant and Courtney aren’t around to catch up with Mark.”
- “Gimme Ben, Louise, and Courtney as well!”
- “Now that Mark Jr. is back, I hope we see a recast of Courtney.”
With Mark now active in the soap, many believe Courtney might follow suit, potentially leading to some captivating family drama.
As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how the Mitchell family’s narrative evolves. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.