EastEnders: Ian Beale’s exit explained as fans predict deadly revenge twist
EASTENDERS fans are convinced that Ian Beale will meet his downfall after he is revealed as Dennis Rickman’s killer.
The soap legend – who is played by Adam Woodyatt – is being “written out” of upcoming scenes and is expected to be off-screen for 10 weeks. Here’s the lowdown on his exit…
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What will Ian Beale’s exit storyline be in EastEnders?
Fans are convinced that Ian’s dramatic exit will centre around the reveal of his killer secret.
Ian was responsible for the death of Dennis Rickman after locking him below deck during the show’s 35th anniversary scenes, but has so far managed to keep his crime hidden.
One fan tweeted: “So, how will Ian be written out, will he be caught out or will he do a runner?”
Another said: “I can’t wait… Ian caught out, Sharon kicks ass, Dotty gets revenge.”
A third wrote: “Potential Ian Beale attackers,” before listing a string of names.
EastEnders are yet to speak out about Ian’s exit, so fans will have to tune in to find out whether this is the reason for his departure.
But with Dotty Cotton having vowed to expose Ian’s killer secret after he got her arrested for drug dealing back in June, it’s likely to only be a matter of time before the truth comes bursting out.
A source told The Daily Star: “Writers are staying tight-lipped about what happens, so it’s not known yet what the future will hold for the character.
“There are no guarantees and anything can happen in Albert Square.”
How will Ian Beale leave EastEnders?
With viewers convinced that Ian will be leaving thanks to Dotty exposing his killer secret, how might Ian be forced to make his exit?
Prison
If Dotty does spill the beans about Ian being responsible for Dennis’s death, might grieving mum Sharon decide to put him behind bars?
Or given that Ian got Dotty arrested for drug dealing, might she decide to give him a taste of his own medicine?
Phil murders Ian
Knowing Phil’s hot temper, prison would be the least of Ian’s worries if news of his crime spreads around Albert Square.
Having thought of Dennis as a son, might Phil seek violent revenge against Ian?
Whodunnit
Once Ian’s killer secret is out, he’ll have a number of enemies in the square.
Might Ian be left in a coma for a couple of months after getting attacked by a mystery assailant?
Ian goes on the run
Ian has never exactly been one to face up to his mistakes.
Might he avoid taking responsibility for his actions yet again and flee the Square before anyone can exact revenge?
When is Ian Beale leaving EastEnders?
EastEnders are yet to confirm exactly when Ian will be leaving the soap.
But the character will appear in new scenes when EastEnders returns to our screens next month after it went off air due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But he will then make a dramatic exit at some point in 2020 as part of a planned storyline.
Speaking about the soap’s return, Executive Producer Jon Sen teased: “From the moment we turned the lights out in The Queen Vic our ambition was to come back with a bang and this autumn certainly does that.
“As soon as Albert Square reawakens the drama returns at a pace and, although working within social distancing guidelines has certainly given us some new challenges, I am incredibly proud of what everyone has achieved. The show is looking fantastic and we can’t wait for ‘series two’ to begin…”.
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Is Adam Woodyatt returning to EastEnders?
Adam is the soap’s longest-serving cast member, having played the role since 1985.
But fans needn’t worry as he’s only expected to be off-screen for 10 weeks.
So yes, he should be returning to the BBC One show.
But with EastEnders yet to speak out about his exit or return, fans will have to stay tuned for more details.