EastEnders Christmas spoilers: the end of Ian Beale?

While the residents prepare for Christmas, Ian continues to live in fear as someone wants him dead.

A loud bang goes off at The Vic and Kathy and Sharon race round, fearing the worse. When they arrive they find Ian cowering under the table - petrified.

Kathy wants all her family together at Christmas, so Peter Beale and Bobby Beale try to make amends with their dad. However when they ask their dad about what actually happened, his answer leaves them with a lot of suspicions...

Another vicious incident leaves Ian terrified. It soon dawns on him how horrible he has been and he decides the only way to stop his torment is to make amends. First up is Peter and Bobby.

While Lexi Pearce is opening her Christmas presents, Ian storms over and accuses Ben Mitchell of trying to kill him. It's not long before the police arrive and make an arrest - but who is going down?

Ian is consumed with fear at The Vic but is stunned when someone else arrives... It's not long before Ian is left fearing for his life again when he receives a chilling taunt.

On Christmas Day the truth will finally come to light as one resident wants one thing for Christmas - the end of Ian. It's not long before they make a lethal move but is this really the end of Ian?

Linda tries to explain to her husband how she's been feeling but he doesn't respond. She decides to up the ante by taunting him with a bottle of whiskey - desperate for him to fight for her.

On Christmas Day, Mick and Ollie Carter have lunch with Shirley, Tina, Gray Atkins and his kids. When Tina gives Mick his present - an old photo of them and Katy at the care home - he freezes.

Jack gives his brother an update on evidence from Ian's case - it leaves Max sweating. He's later determined to start a new life with Linda and makes her an offer.

Despite Whitney Dean assuring her that Gray Atkins will clear her name, Tina is terrified when the police arrive and take her down to the station for more questions.

Tina is distraught with what's happening and Mick finally snaps into action to help his sister.

Karen is distraught when Gray tells her and Mitch Baker that he wants the kids for Christmas. Feeling depressed about her first Christmas without Chantelle, Karen makes a big decision.

Honey is stressed when the fridge breaks down and she has to cancel the event but Jay manages to save the day just in time.

As the festivities get under way, Honey and Jay are buzzing with Christmas spirit but as one thing leads to another they end up kissing... just as Billy walks in.

Billy is speechless and as Honey and Jay try to explain what he saw, Billy storms out.

Lies and deceit are exposed this Christmas as Denise comes face to face with a ghost from her past – Lucas and he's with their daughter Chelsea.

While Denise is confused about the pair together, Chelsea is equally as dumbfounded to see her mum with Raymond.

Denise is rattled by her encounter with Lucas and explains to Patrick and Kim what happened. When Chelsea arrives in Walford, Denise warns her daughter about her dad.

While they're all talking, they don't notice that Patrick has gone to track down Lucas.

Stacey is surprised about her present from Martin, he later realises his epic blunder.

After spending Christmas Day at the pub, Stacey and Martin leave together and encouraged by his thoughtful gift, Stacey takes a chance and kisses him.