Yes, we\u2019re looking at Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), the show\u2019s longest-serving local<\/a>. But how likely is it that the wannabe entrepreneur is set to meet a fatal end?<\/p>\n Well, at this point, it\u2019s as possible as any other theory, and EastEnders isn\u2019t afraid to knock us off our feet.<\/p>\n So, join us as we delve into just how Ian might find himself at the centre of a murder mystery he can\u2019t come back from\u2026<\/p>\n When Ian walked away from Albert Square in 2021, after nearly being poisoned to death by Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), we spent the next two years under the impression that we may not see him again.<\/p>\n Although it was never officially claimed that star Woodyatt had left for good, there was also nothing to suggest he would be back<\/a>.<\/p>\n Enter: a very much alive Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and the soap return of the year! And given how out of the blue Ian\u2019s comeback has been, could it be that EastEnders has brought him in only to end his story for good?<\/p>\n He\u2019s been his usual annoying self, and has arguably got worse after throwing mum Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) out. Is Ian about to face the ultimate punishment for his selfishness?<\/p>\n Son of Kathy, ex-fianc\u00e9 of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), best friend (and ex-husband) to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and ex-in-law to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Ian is closely linked to many of The Six.<\/p>\n Ian has also had run-ins with Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), and may still end up clashing with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) given his and Cindy\u2019s feud with her mother Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and her fianc\u00e9 George Knight (Colin Salmon).<\/p>\n Given George\u2019s suit of armour is in the background in EastEnders\u2019 flash-forward of the murder scene, what if George steps in to defend Linda against Ian \u2013 but things go too far?<\/p>\n Or might Ian\u2019s truce with Sharon be an act, resulting in a revenge plot over her previous attempt to kill him, which leads her to end his life for real mid-showdown?<\/p>\n Perhaps relations between the Beales and Panesars sour once more, and Suki has reason to strike against Ian? However outlandish these theories might seem, Ian\u2019s links to these women are certainly worth considering.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p>\n Last month, Ian was dealt a punch to the face<\/a> by Cindy\u2019s daughter Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) after he badmouthed her sister Anna (Molly Rainford).<\/p>\n With Ian ending up on the floor of the pub \u2013 the location of\u00a0that\u00a0<\/em>lifeless body come Christmas Day \u2013 one fan felt that this could be a hint as to his future fate.<\/p>\n I really hope Ian Beale being on the floor of the vic is a flash forward hint to him being the body at Christmas #EastEnders<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Aleigh B (@AWB90) September 8, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>Is Ian Beale the dead body in EastEnders at Christmas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Sudden return after exit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Adam](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/06\/Ian-Beale-Adam-Woodyatt-EastEnders-2023-fc32eef.jpg?quality=90&crop=4px%2C4px%2C613px%2C408px&resize=613%2C408\" "\\"Ian")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Connections to The Six<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Balvinder](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/flashforward-eastenders-2023-e551e40.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"flashforward")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Parallel \u2013 knocked to the floor in The Vic<\/strong><\/h2>\n