Ian Beale is making his return to EastEnders after a number of years, leaving fans thrilled.
However, there is a big gap that needs filling after his exit back in January 2021. At the time, Adam Woodyatt - who has played Ian for the character's entire on-screen life, took an extended break from the BBC soap, with fans constantly asking when he would be back and what his future storylines would be as they hoped he would reunite with at least one of his (many!) ex-wives.
He made a surprise appearance for the funeral of Dot Cotton at the end of 2022, where he was seen mourning the late Walford legend out of the view of everyone else but the audience. He was seen on the phone to a mystery person, prompting rumours of a return. We now know that this person was Cindy Beale, who he has been back with for some time.
