EastEnders viewers got the shock of their lives last night (Monday 12 December) when Ian Beale (played by Adam Woodyatt) made a shock return almost two years after he was last seen in Walford.
Ian left Albert Square behind in January 2021 following a dramatic showdown with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) after he realised she was poisoning him in an act of revenge for his part in the death of her son Denny.
But as guests arrived at the funeral of Dot Cotton (June Brown) in Monday’s episode, Ian was seen paying his respects from a distance.
Clearly keen to avoid the other funeralgoers, Ian could be seen hiding in the bushes as he tearfully said, “Goodbye, Dot. I’ll miss you.”
Ian then took a phone call from an unidentified person and told them, “Hello, love. Yeah… yeah, I’m coming home soon.”
Not only were viewers thrilled to see Ian back on our screens, but some also remarked that he was looking a lot dishier than he did the last time we saw him.
One fan tweeted, “Goodbye Dot!🕊️🕊️🕊️ Also how does Ian come back looking hot. 🥵❤️🔥 Don’t judge me y’all!”
Another commented, “OMG! 😳 Well knock me down with a feather. I actually gasped when Ian appeared. This was a lovely surprise.”
A third wrote, “Ian’s appearance surprised me the most! I prefered him without glasses,” while one more said, “Ian Beale! Amazing character. He should be back for good.”
It seems like fans will get their wish for Ian to return to Walford for good as a major comeback storyline is reportedly in the works.
A soap insider told The Sun, “Fans of the show don’t know who Ian was talking to yet but it won’t be long until all is revealed.
“While the plotline is top secret, it’s a given that viewers will not be disappointed by what they see when Ian does return.”