Ian Beale

Name: Ian Beale
First Appeared: 19th February 1985
Played by: Adam Woodyatt

Depending on who he’s married to, what time of the week it is, which business is booming or whether his children are at war, Ian Beale is the man you either hate with a passion or feel sorry for and want to give him a hug. Or at least a ‘there, there.’

Part of the Fowler-Beale legacy, Ian, the only child of Pete and Kathy Beale, was not a popular lad. He was not a hit with the ladies, and not exactly a man’s man either. But beneath that kind, sensitive teen was a savage and ruthless businessman and once that side of him was out, well, look out.

He’s run restaurants, chippies, cafes and bargain stores. He’s attempted to own the Vic more than once and has been married more times than most, twice to the same woman. And again to his first wife for good measure!

After being at the centre of some of Walford’s biggest moments, including the murder of daughter Lucy, Ian took a break from the Square and returned in 2023, with long-dead first wife Cindy in tow!

Will it be better second time round for this pair? Don’t bet on it…