EastEnders viewers have been left buzzing with theories after Stephen Aaron-Sipple appeared as an unknown character in the BBC soap’s New Year’s Day flashforward scenes

A mysterious man in EastEnders’ flashforward episode has got viewers scratching their heads, with his identity still unknown.

Listed simply as “man” in the credits, the enigmatic character is portrayed by actor Stephen Aaron-Sipple. Since he’s yet to make his debut on the BBC soap, his presence on New Year’s Day 2027 has left fans baffled.

The stranger appeared to be well-acquainted with both the Beales and the Brannings, with Max seen grinning and giving him a friendly wave. When Max found himself in handcuffs, the mystery man stood alongside Oscar, Jack, and Lauren Branning, as well as Ian and Peter Beale.

Not only did they gather around him as if he belonged to their inner circle, but he also had something to say. He questioned Jack about Max’s arrest, yet there wasn’t the slightest hint about his identity or why he was there.

Could he be a fresh face who becomes part of their lives? reports the Mirror.

Viewers reckon they’ve cracked the code. Flocking to X, fans are convinced he’s Lauren Branning’s secret lover in what could be a cheating storyline. One viewer declared: “LAUREN IS SO HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THIS MAN.”

Another chimed in: “Lauren is having it away with the random man next to Oscar. Guaranteed!” A third fan questioned: “Who the f*** is he? Other than ABSOLUTELY the man Lauren is having an affair with..”

This comes as viewers believe they’ve worked out the identity of the expectant woman in Max’s bed. Max was shown stirring in the year 2027, and as he turned over, a woman also came around, though her face remained hidden.

She was seen cradling a baby bump, and the camera then shifted to a baby scan and pregnancy supplements. Following an unexpected scene on the BBC soap this week, viewers are speculating that it was a significant hint at future events.

Despite many details still needing clarification, fans can’t help but theorise that Chelsea Fox is the expectant character in Max’s bed. Just a few days ago, she hinted that she found him attractive, leading fans to believe this was a clue pointing towards her.

Fans took to social media to share their theories in response to the preview, noting that the woman seemed to sigh. One viewer commented: “Sounds like Chelsea that does.”

Another agreed, stating, “Sounds like Chelsea,” while a third chimed in with, “Honestly, it kinda sounds like Chelsea sighing.”

Yet another comment read: “That’s Chelsea sighing.”

The speculation continued with one fan saying, “Gotta be Chelsea, she’s not been in a big storyline for a while.”

Another viewer suggested: “Priya or Chelsea definitely involved!”

One fan remarked: “That sounded like Chelsea,” as another confessed: “Oh, that sounds like Chelsea!” A final comment speculated: “That’s got to be Chelsea in bed with Max Branning in 2027.”