EastEnders ended on a severe note tonight as original character Ian Beale was sentenced to eight months in prison. However, images from tomorrow's episode show the drama is far from over.
Ian, played by Adam Woodyatt since 1985, was sent to prison after running over four-year-old Jordan Fox while over the limit. Although he had only one drink, he failed a breathalyser test. He pleaded guilty to a dangerous driving charge, leaving Jordan in a wheelchair.
Chelsea's late statement
Jordan's mum Chelsea initially resisted helping Ian, but after admitting she had shouted at Jordan, causing him to run into the road, she called Ian to say she would make a statement to the judge so he wouldn't go to prison. Sadly, Chelsea did not arrive on time. The judge, noting Ian should have been more cautious as a local councillor, sentenced him to eight months.
Following the episode, the BBC released images from tomorrow's episode showing Ian being handcuffed by police and Chelsea arriving at court, where an angry Kathy had to be held back by her boyfriend Harvey.
Kathy slaps Chelsea
Kathy breaks free from Harvey and slaps Chelsea across the face, causing her to cry out. An unapologetic Kathy is then pictured shouting at Chelsea as she cradles her face. Zaraah Abrahams, who plays Chelsea, spoke about her character's thoughts and how the rest of her family, particularly mum Denise, will react.
She said: “Chelsea has been overwhelmed since the accident. She believes she played a part in what happened for shouting at Jordan and not keeping an eye on him and has struggled with her decision to stay silent.” Adding that Chelsea had been struggling with Denise's cancer diagnosis: “While coping with Denise’s diagnosis and focusing on Jordan’s recovery, she’s been torn between supporting her son and facing the truth, knowing Ian has carried all of the blame.”
She also addressed Chelsea's eventual realisation: “She sees a chance to put things right and potentially help Ian. Chelsea’s own guilt has been building for a long time. Conversations with her family only strengthen her feeling that she can’t keep the secret any longer.” Abrahams added that Chelsea faces tough conversations as her mum Denise berates her for putting Ian’s future at risk: “Denise doesn’t react with anger, but she is disappointed and makes it clear that Chelsea’s decision to stay silent all this time was wrong.”
