EastEnders resident 'missing' from BBC soap as fans ask the same question

EastEnders enthusiasts have been scratching their heads over the mysterious absence of Ian Beale (portrayed by Adam Woodyatt) after he didn't make his way back to Albert Square after his US trip.

Ian, alongside his mother Kathy (played by Gillian Taylforth) and Ben's daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown), jetted off to America to visit Ben (Max Bowden) who's currently serving time for credit card fraud after being extradited to the States earlier this year.

However, in the episode aired on Monday (August 19), a catch-up between Kathy and Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) over a cuppa revealed that Ian had opted to extend his stay stateside. Kathy shared updates on Ian's situation while discussing the family visit.

Sonia enquired: "Poor Ben! And how was Lexi?"

To which Kathy responded: "Well, she was putting on a brave face for him you know. Telling him all about the American sweets we picked up at the airport," reports the Daily Star.

"Ian decided to stay another week you know, to try and sort things out. I told Cindy but I could swear she was thrilled not to have him home."

Yet, this plot twist left some fans befuddled, prompting them to flock to X formerly known as Twitter to express their bewilderment. One viewer commented: "Ian staying to help Ben, even though Ben's never given two s***s about him." (sic).

Another equally puzzled fan questioned: "Is Ian Beale still in Eastenders?"

According to the latest teasers, in forthcoming episodes, fans will witness Ben's dad Phil (Steve McFadden), and half-brother Ian teaming up to help their shared family member. This comes after Kathy's return from America, where she fills Phil in on their son's grim predicament.

At the same time, Kathy implores her ex-husband to concentrate all his efforts on backing Ben's appeal. Back in March, viewers were left stunned as police nabbed the young mechanic under an international warrant.

The charges originated from a trip to the US last year, where he made a vain attempt to get dying Lola Pearce into a drug trial. It was later disclosed that Ben's credit cards had been blocked.

Instead of sorting out the problem legally, he opted to nick someone else's card. Ben splashed out thousands on hotel stays, car rentals, and a business-class flight back to Blighty.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC IPlayer.