EastEnders ‘ Ian Beale is known for making enemies on the streets of Walford, and his bad reputation could cost him his life in upcoming scenes.
The politician, played by Adam Woodyatt, will be assaulted in horrific scenes during the Christmas Day special this year, with an unnamed attacker leaving him for dead.
According to The Sun, everyone from his own sons, Peter (Dayle Hudson) and Bobby (Clay Milner Russell), to his mum Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) are among the suspected culprits.
Fuelling the mystery, Ian has also got on Dotty Cotton’s (Milly Zero) bad side, as she continues to resent him for the role he played in Dennie’s death during the boat party.
Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, is another suspect, having attempted to murder Ian just three years ago with a string of fairy lights.
Max previously threatened to murder Ian with a string of fairy lights (Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)
A show source told the publication: “People are queuing up to cave Ian’s head in.
“He borrowed money from Max and hasn’t paid him back. Kathy knows Ian remortgaged the café without telling her, plus he’s upset his sons in money rows.
“Dotty knows what happened to Dennie on the boat so may have an axe to grind. Even Phil Mitchell could be involved. He’s never far from trouble.”
The storyline is set to continue into early January, meaning the identity of the attacker will be kept a chilling secret.
Ian’s life will be at risk in upcoming scenes, as a mystery attacker leaves him for dead (Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron)
The source continued: “As far as legendary EastEnders characters go, Ian is up there with the best so this storyline will leave viewers shocked.
“He has no shortage of enemies so exactly who attacked him and left him for dead will be the focus of the weeks that follow.”
Daily Star has contacted BBC for comment.
The haunting storyline comes after actor Adam underwent a dramatic transformation, shedding the pounds during the lockdown after taking up cycling as a hobby.
The EastEnders co-stars paused for a snap during a cycle trip earlier this year
Adam, 52, who recently split from his wife Beverley Sharp, got some training tips from his mega-fit co-star Jake Wood, who makes no secret of his love of working out.
Sharing a photo of himself and Jake heading out for a bike ride, Adam wrote: “Like my mate Mr Wood says, ‘you got to get out there. You got to do it.”‘
The EastEnders original, who first appeared in Walford in the 80s, previously admitted cruel fans of the soap had publicly shamed him about his weight on the street.
He said: “One of the best examples of somebody being rude is when we were at BBC Good Food.
“This woman looks at me and says, ‘You’re fatter than you are on the telly’.”
The BBC favourite added: “What gives somebody the right to say that to someone just because you’re on TV?”
Eastenders airs on Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
