EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt hypes up Ian reunions with Phil and Sharon

However, Ian had a heart attack after a row with Cindy and went back on his idea to return to Walford after learning Cindy's most recent husband George Knight (Colin Salmon) had moved to Walford with daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford).

Despite this, Ian and Cindy will return to Walford full-time later this year and Ian has a lot of unfinished business since he fled Albert Square in January 2021.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press at an event last week, Adam Woodyatt spoke about his big return to EastEnders.

When asked about what to expect when Ian returns to Albert Square after over two years away, Woodyatt teased three encounters in particular.

“There's a lot of conversations that need to take place," noted Woodyatt, who first portrayed Ian in the first-ever episode in 1985.

"I think one of the most interesting ones is going to be discussing the process of making carbonara with Sharon."

Ian and Sharon were close friends for decades until their unexpected marriage and the revelation that Sharon wanted Ian dead after blaming him for the death of her son Dennis Rickman, Jr (Bleu Landau). In 2021, Sharon tried to poison Ian's pasta meal to kill him before a dramatic confrontation led to him leaving Walford.

Woodyatt also highlighted that Ian would need to discuss "missing years" with his mother Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).

"Yeah, there's a lot of water but it's got to be dealt with… and we will," confirmed Woodyatt. "Yeah, it's gonna be fun."

Read More

• EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises Cindy Beale resurrection "answers"
• EastEnders' Michelle Collins talks "surreal" return as Cindy Beale after 25 years
• EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt breaks silence on Ian Beale return alongside Cindy
• EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw on “different” Cindy and Ian reunion
• EastEnders' explosive Cindy Beale comeback is a campy soap triumph
• EastEnders' Michelle Collins talks Cindy Beale witness protection story
• EastEnders' Ian Beale has heart attack and keeps huge secret from Cindy
• Will Jacqueline Jossa return full-time to EastEnders as Lauren Branning?

Finally, the EastEnders veteran teased humorous scenes between Ian and his longtime nemesis Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who was revealed to be the person who attacked Ian and left him for dead in December 2020.

Woodyatt revealed: "I think one of the lines with Steve [McFadden] – I mean, it's only short – we just say each other's names to each other and I just know damn well when we filmed that it’s going to be hysterical."

• Read More
• EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw
• EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw teases Cindy and Kathy Beale showdown
• EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw promises “big” Christmas for the Beales
• EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms flashbacks and Cindy Beale breakdown
• EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights
• EastEnders' Michelle Collins teases Cindy’s scenes with love rival Elaine

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

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