Adam Woodyatt isn't sure if he'll ever return to EastEnders

Adam Woodyatt isn't sure if he will ever return to 'EastEnders'.

The 53-year-old actor has been on a break from the BBC One soap - on which he has played Ian Beale since the first episode on 19 February 1985 - to star in theatre production 'Looking Good Dead', and tonight (25.11.21) he will appear in 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!', but he doesn't know if he will ever grace Walford with his presence again.

When asked about a potential return to Albert Square, he said: "To be honest with you, I don’t know the answer.

"And it’s also not just my decision, it’s a BBC decision. There’s lots of factors that come into it.

“I’m just taking it as it comes along. There’s no plan.

“I’m just quite happy doing what I’m doing at the moment, which is doing 'I’m a Celeb'."

If Adam does return to Walford as Ian, it doesn't look likely to be in the early part of next year as he will be busy in 'Looking Good Dead', in which he will reunite with his former 'EastEnders' wife Laurie Brett, who played Jane Beale in the soap.

He added: "I literally come out of the castle whenever that is, have Christmas off and then we’re back into rehearsals because Laurie Brett’s taking over from Gaynor Faye.

"And then we’re doing that until the end of April.

"It’s been it’s been a lot of fun working and seeing [Laurie] again. It’s kind of bittersweet.

"I’m looking forward to Laurie coming in, I’m going to miss Gaynor because she’s been an absolute joy to work with. It’s been wonderful."

In July, Adam admitted he feared 'EastEnders' might not want him to return to the soap.

He said: "'EastEnders' might not want me back!

"We could get a new boss in who goes, 'Beale's gone, we don't need him anymore.' "