Ian Beale has returned to EastEnders, but fans are worried for the character after violent scenes showed him struggling and moving closer to a hidden villain.
Ian (Adam Woodyatt) came back to Walford at the beginning of tonight's episode. Even though he knew his mum was coming to the prison to get him, he caught a cab back home without telling her. He looked sullen and downcast as he walked towards his house, but things got much worse when he went to the Queen Vic.
Violent scenes at the chippy
Just before heading to the pub, Ian got a call from an inspector who had come to the chippy to check it out, but found the place closed. Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) was supposed to be there but he had decided to help former step-grandchild Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) with her childcare needs so that she could go to a nursing open day.
Ian confronted Harvey, as the inspector wanted £200 for the missed appointment, and hit him across the face when Harvey tried to touch his shoulder. One of the onlookers was newcomer Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber), who has already started to make fans nervous with how he seems intent on riling Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) up.
Fans fear Ned's manipulation
Ned has seemed very interested in Ian's return, particularly when he learned how many businesses Ian has. As he is a trained PTSD therapist, some fans are worried Ian's latest outburst will eventually lead him to Ned's therapy chair, allowing the villain to start manipulating him.
"I wonder if Ned will end up blackmailing Ian for one of his businesses," one fan said online. "My guess Ned is going to target Ian take advantage of the fact he is struggling." Another agreed, saying: "I think if he does, he's going to do it gradually. Start by doing ptsd counselling with Ian to gain trust."
Mental health storyline hinted
Others wondered if today's episode was hinting towards a mental health storyline. "I wonder if they'll explore a mental health/anxiety storyline for Ian??" one asked. A second added: "I think it'll be interesting seeing how he copes as it's looking like he's gonna struggle."
Fans were particularly worried for Ian after the duff duff, as Ian returned home and smashed up the picture frames in his house. He then tearfully broke down in his mum's arms.
As summarised by one fan on X: "Heartbreaking scenes at No 45 where a vulnerable Ian breaks down in Kathy's arms as he starts to feel the after effects following his stint in prison but with Ian coming home a completely new man - will he ever be the same again?"
