Ian Beale of EastEnders remembers the "weirdest thing" upon returning to the set

Exclusive: When Cindy Beale and Ian Beale made their relationship return on EastEnders, it shocked the community of Walford.

Actor Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in EastEnders, has talked openly about his return to Walford and what it was like to see all of his former coworkers again.

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who gave birth to Cindy Williams Jr. (Mimi Keene), in 1998, was thought to be dead.

In January 2021, Ian left the square when Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) tried to assassinate him.

When the two came back, they were shocked to see George Knight (Colin Salmon), Cindy’s ex-husband, and her daughters Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) and Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) all living in Walford.

Actor Adam Woodyatt previously discussed his return to Walford with Express.co.uk after making a cameo appearance at Dot Branning’s (June Brown) funeral.

Ian revealed what he thought was “weirdest” and that working with Michelle was like putting on an old pair of slippers.

It simply works and is pleasant. The strangest thing for me is that the lot has been renovated while I’ve been away.

“Last morning, when I got out of the car, I looked to my right and said, ‘Where’s the square?’ To me, that was the strangest thing because it simply vanished.

“Going back to see all the faces I haven’t seen has been the best thing. I was just conversing, so the first day it must have took me half a day to introduce myself to everyone.

Walford residents were astounded to see the couple together, which made Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) concerned about Cindy’s reaction now that she knows he inadvertently killed Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).

Cindy recently acknowledged to Ian that seeing Bobby made her blood boil. Ian had previously reassured Bobby that Cindy recognized it was an accident and would be able to move on.

With so many grudges and secrets, is it possible for them to all live as one happy family in the same square?

Ian will also hurt his youngest son when he unintentionally reveals that Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) slept with Anna despite being aware of Bobby’s feelings for her.

Ian hears George make a demeaning remark about him in front of a large crowd, and he can’t help but respond.

While Bobby and Cindy are watching, he breaks the news about Anna’s night with Freddie in the middle of the bar. How will Bobby respond to Ian’s shocking revelation?