EastEnders exit as popular character makes unexpected departure
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) has made an unexpected temporary EastEnders exit.
The character truly has seen it all in the 40 years since he first appeared on our screens as a fresh-faced teenager, so it's no wonder that he's decided to take a break.
In the last six months he's discovered his ex-wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was cheating on him, and that his mother Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) attacked her with a snow shovel.
With the revelation out in the open, Cindy then shot him, before pushing him in front of a car that ignited an explosion at The Queen Vic.
In the aftermath she threatened to reveal her assault to the police – unless the Beales handed over their businesses. Kathy eventually caved and signed over The Prince Albert bar, unaware of the next big bombshell that was awaiting.
Cindy had witnessed Kath's affair with Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), and after grabbing the keys to the boozer, exposed the dalliance to all of their neighbours.
Ian couldn't believe what his mother had been up to, and now has Harvey living under his roof.
If the family drama wasn't bad enough, son Peter (Thomas Law) has struggled to bond with his newborn Jimmy after the youngster was diagnosed with a visual impairment.
In tonight's episode, he felt uncomfortable hearing Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) talk so positively about his son's condition.
His fiancée Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) noticed how he was reluctant to hold the baby, and staged an intervention with Cindy and Kathy.
It was during the difficult conversation that Ian's absence was addressed.
Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?
Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.
Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!
He's jetted to the other side of the world to catchup with some old mates – Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully). More Trending
Michelle has been based in Australia for a number of years, and Sharon went to stay with her in the wake of Martin Fowler's (James Bye) death. She initially went to visit her granddaughter Alyssa, but has since made her quick exit into some sort of world tour, with Ian along for the ride!
Back in Walford, things were escalating between Peter and Lauren, with her leaving him alone with the baby while she tried to score a drink at The Vic.
Thankfully, nobody would serve her, so she found comfort elsewhere. Zack Hudson (James Farrar) was on hand to offer some advice, and the two ended up kissing.
View More »
Something tells us that Ian may have to cut his trip short to help out a heartbroken Peter!
If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we'd love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
MORE: Deadly danger for EastEnders legends as Lauren story takes a dark turn
MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025
MORE: Hopes for legendary EastEnders couple as show icon contemplates reunion
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
31 minutes ago
- Metro
Loved by new mum Amy Jackson, the Tommee Tippee phone case accessory is a must
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more From trending accessories like PopSockets and cords, to Hailey Bieber's iconic Rhode case, phone accessories are well and truly having their moment. And now Tommee Tippee have got in on the hype — with their clever StayPut Pocket™. The ultimate 'it girl' accessory for busy mums, the StayPut Pocket™ is the first ever integrated dummy holder attachment for your phone case — and each one also comes with a fully-compatible 0-6m Ultra-light StayPut Soother. Plus, it even comes with a plastic microwave case specifically for sterilising the pocket and soother together. A game-changing accessory for any modern parent, say goodbye to those desperate searches for the dummy before you leave the house — or any awkward one-handed rifling through your bag while holding a screaming baby in your other arm. Affectionately dubbed 'the Stanley Cup of parenting', it's not much of a surprise that it keeps completely selling out. So — if you want to get your hands on one — you'll want to act fast. This phone case accessory has been specially designed to store a sterilised Ultra-light StayPut soother — so you can take it with you anywhere you (and your phone) go. Simply peel off the adhesive strip, stick the hard plastic disc to the back of your phone case, twist the silicone socket anti-clockwise to fasten, and you're all good to go. BUY NOW FOR £15.99 Available in two trend-led shades — Grape and Taupe — there's no denying that the surprisingly chic StayPut Pocket™ has been made with stylish mums in mind. In fact, actress and model, Amy Jackson — who welcomed her son, Oscar, four weeks ago with husband, Ed Westwick — is thought to be one of the big reasons behind the product's boom. In her most recent Instagram post, Jackson shared some adorable pictures of the newborn and herself — also showcasing the StayPut Pocket™. 'When you're juggling a baby, a pram, a changing bag, and trying to answer messages, having the dummy exactly where you need it is a lifesaver,' she wrote in the caption. More Trending And it wasn't long before other chic millennial mums were jumping into the comments to share their approval — like models Roxy Horner, and Emma Louise Connolly. A stylish and tech-savvy product, we reckon the StayPut Pocket™ is guaranteed to become a top parenting hack for 2025. After all, as much as we love a lip gloss phone case, it's not all that helpful when you're dealing with a screaming baby. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: From Space NK to Mango – here's 23 items our shopping expert is buying this weekend MORE: Dunelm's big homeware sale is here – with up to 50% off bedding, furniture and more MORE: Top 6 items any first-time buyer should have on their shopping list as chosen by our shopping expert
Daily Mirror
32 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Barbara Windsor's touching advice which inspired EastEnders star's career move
Shona McGarty quit her role as Whitney Dean last April after 16 years on the soap, and is now getting ready to star in a new West End production Former EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty is stepping into a new chapter of her career, and says the late Dame Barbara Windsor would have been behind her every step of the way. During an appearance on Lorraine this morning (June 4), Shona spoke about her upcoming role in Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical. Ranvir Singh pointed out the striking similarities between Barbara's glamorous EastEnders character and Shona's new part, saying: "It's funny, of course, we think of Babs, and we think of the role you're about to play now. There are some similarities there – of being the pin-up, being brave, owning your sexuality." Shona admitted that the legendary actress had always been one of her biggest supporters, adding: "I know that Barbara Windsor would have been so proud of me taking on this role. She always said to me, because I'm short and I'm curvy, she always said I should do burlesque. So I know she'd be proud." In Shona's upcoming West End venture she will play American model Bettie Page in a new biography-musical that audiences can come see from June 9. The show will run for one night only at London's Lyric Theatre and promises to delve into the life of the 1950s icon, through the medium of original songs and hits from the 50s and 60s. It will explore Bettie's rise to fame and her impact on pop culture and feminism. Shona is best known for playing Whitney Dean in EastEnders ever since she joined the soap at the age of 16. She left the BBC series in April last year after 16 years on set. This marked the end of an era where Whitney faced many emotional storylines, tackling serious issues like grooming, domestic abuse, and pregnancy loss. Shona was praised for her sensitive portrayal of the character throughout these hard-hitting topics. Since leaving Albert Square, Shona has kept herself busy exploring other avenues of entertainment. She has spent time in the recording studio, performed live music, and even presented an award at the Beauty Awards in November. Some of the singles she has released include A Change is Gonna Come, Rock with Rudolph, and Let It Be. After her soap exit, Shona told The Sun that it was difficult to leave EastEnders, but she felt like it was the right decision. The actress shared: "It was a really difficult decision because it's all I've ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I'm leaving home. "But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older. There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life."
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Bollywood film worker and his partner found dead after 'taking mystery green pil
Neighbours have paid tribute to a Bollywood film worker and his 'beautiful' partner who died at their west London home after allegedly taking a mystery green pill. The couple, who have not been named by police, were found unresponsive in their bedroom by their flatmates at their flat in Havelock Road, Southall, on bank holiday Monday. Ambulances and police were called to the scene but they were unable to save them. The pills were obtained while the couple were out clubbing in south London the day before, police believe. Metro can reveal that the 28-year-old man was a driver for celebrities in the Bollywood film industry in London and is originally from India. He and his partner, 20, were described as a 'beautiful hard working couple' by locals. A father of three, who is a neighbour at the Southall flats where the couple rented, told Metro: 'To me they were a clean-cut, hardworking couple who left early in the morning and were ambitious. They were a pleasure to be around. 'He worked in the Indian film industry as part of the crew and was working his way up. He was from a good family and they couple had their whole lives ahead of them. 'It's a total shock – if something like this can happen to them it can happen to anyone. They were the perfect couple just enjoying life.' He added: 'It was horrific on the day they were found. I think they had been out with the flatmates the night before. They wondered why the couple had it got up the next day originally thinking they were just having a lay in. Then one went in their bedroom and found them. 'The flatmates were in total shock. Loads of police ambulances came. One of the flatmates was vomiting, it was just terrible. Blue or pale lips or fingertips Very light, shallow breathing or no breathing Loud raspy 'snoring' or gurgling 'People need to be aware of what they are taking. I can say honestly this was not a hard-drinking, drug-taking couple. They were just enjoying London life and trying to get ahead.' Another neighbour told Metro the cricket-loving couple were 'just the nicest people you could meet'. He said: 'The guy drove Bollywood celebrities around and was on the crew, he had a bright future ahead of him. His partner was a beautiful, hard-working person. 'We used to meet up with them in the garden. We watched some of the cricket World Cup together. They were great company and lived with three good friends. They were just great people. His parents came to stay at one point. Very nice people – they will be devastated.' A Met Police statement said: 'Police continue to make enquiries following the sudden deaths of a 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in Ealing on Monday. 'This is following reports that the individuals allegedly passed away after taking an illicit substance in the form of a green pill. 'No arrests have been made at this time and we're working closely with our partners, including the health service and councils, to issue advice to people in the area.' Ealing Council have also raised the alarm over the mystery pills circulating. More Trending It said : 'Over the Bank Holiday weekend, two people were found dead in Southall, following attendance at a nightclub in South London on Saturday 24 May. They are thought to have consumed green pills with an '80' on one face and possibly an 'OP' on the other. 'Please remember, there is no way of knowing what is in any pill or drug that is bought illegally, or how your body will react. 'If you, or anyone you are with, starts to feel unwell after taking any pill or drug, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999. Authorities urge anyone in possession of unknown pills or powders to avoid taking them and to seek advice from harm reduction services. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Two men charged with murder after boy, four, killed in pick-up truck crash in Dartford MORE: Boy, three, starved to death by parents 'became invisible to child services' MORE: Two people seriously hurt after crash near London's Blackwall Tunnel
