Adam Woodyatt's shock EastEnders return

Adam Woodyatt made a shock return to 'EastEnders' on Monday night (12.12.22).

The 54-year-old star's character Ian Beale hadn't been seen since he departed Albert Square in January 2021, but in a surprise scene during Dot Branning's funeral episode - following the passing of actress June Brown this year aged 95 - Ian appeared on the outskirts of the churchyard, ensuring his former neighbours didn't see him.

He got teary and said: "Goodbye, Dot," as he looked on, before ringing someone he called "love" and said he was heading "home".

'EastEnders' boss Chris Clenshaw admitted Adam agreed to the brief return because he wanted to "be there" for his late co-star June.

He said: "I called Adam, told him our plans, and I said, 'Ian has to be there,' and he agreed. It was kind of as simple as that. Ian would not miss it.

"Obviously, he didn't make it into the church, but he said his own private goodbye to Dot.

"So, yeah, that's how it came about. It was just that Adam wanted to be there for June and he knew that Ian should be there for Dot."

Following the cameo, Adam is now expected to make a longer return to Walford.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Ian’s comeback storyline is in the works.

"Fans of the show don’t know who Ian was talking to yet but it won’t be long until all is revealed.

"While the plotline is top secret, it’s a given that viewers will not be disappointed by what they see when Ian does return."

Adam is currently starring as Alfred Doolittle in a stage production of 'My Fair Lady'.

Since departing Albert Square, he has gone on to appear on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' and also star in theatre production 'Looking Good Dead'.