EastEnders fans are convinced they have figured out the identity of Ian Beale's secret lover after his shock return to the soap.
Viewers tuning in to watch emotional scenes from Dot Cotton's funeral on Monday night were stunned when Adam Woodyatt made a surprise return to the hit BBC after disappearing from screens on January 22, 2021.
Ian was last seen fleeing Albert Square after wife Sharon Watts attempted to poison her lifelong best friend when she discovered his involvement in the death of her son Denny Rickman.
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Actor Adam Woodyatt – who has starred in the soap since its first ever episode in1985 – had previously remained tight-lipped about any return to Walford for Ian after going on a lengthy hiatus.
However, he unexpectedly turned up hiding from the sight of his former neighbours as he came to pay his respects to Dot who was being laid to rest following a tragic death for the late June Brown's iconic on-screen persona.
Adam – who has racked up an incredible 3461 appearances as Ian – was seen bringing the legendary character back in an episode that was littered with appearances from former stars including Jaqueline Jossa's Lauren Branning and popular 80's star Tom Watt as Lofty Holloway.
The inclusion of Ian in the episode was made even more curious as they teased a further storyline to come with a well-placed phone call as Dot's coffin was taken into the church.
Appearing teary Ian said his farewell to Dot before his phone rang with a mystery caller on the end of the line who was just out of earshot of viewers.
Ian answered the call and said: “Hi love. Yes, I’m coming home,” sparking speculation of just who may have been on the other end of the call – and when we may see both characters arrive back in Albert Square.
While many theories have already been shared some viewers are now convinced they know exactly who the intriguing contact came from – Ian's former wife Jane Beale.
While Laurie Brett has not confirmed a return and hasn't been seen on screens since October 2017, many fans of the show seem certain it must be her Ian is with.
Taking to Twitter to discuss the theory one wrote: "I’m assuming it’s Jane. Will be a big surprise if it’s anyone else."
Another added: Surely it's Jane. They can both return, Jane can build bridges with Bobby and the whole Lucy saga can be dealt with once and for all."
A third said: "The obvious choice is Jane but there are so many potential possibilities to who it could be."
Jane was last seen fleeing Walford after Jake Wood's Max Branning forced her to ditch Ian and leave Albert Square when he realised she had framed him for Lucy Beale's murder to save her stepson Bobby Beale from prosecution for accidentally killing his sister.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7.30 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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