EastEnders' Ian Beale has been sent to the same prison as serial killer Gray Atkins. Will Ian be harmed, or could the two form an alliance? As Gray's plan for ex-wife Chelsea and son Jordan unfolds, the BBC released an image that appears to show the characters confronting each other.
Ian's Prison Sentence Begins
In today's episode, Ian's prison term started. The character, played by Adam Woodyatt, received an eight-month sentence for hitting Jordan Fox while driving over the limit. After being shown into his cell, the soap cut to Gray, already in the same prison, watching his former neighbour enter.
This followed Gray telling his grandmother Sheila that Ian deserved worse than eight months for hurting his son. But Gray redirected his anger toward ex-wife Chelsea upon learning she had yelled at Jordan, causing him to run into the road. Some fans were divided over whether Gray would target Ian or plot revenge against Chelsea.
Fan Reactions and Kathy's Warning
One fan asked: "Does anyone else think that this is where Gray might feed back into a storyline somewhere involving Ian with him being in prison already and of course he is Jordan’s father?"
Another agreed it would be "interesting," while a third said: "Gray will definitely mess with Ian." A fourth added: "Of course Ian is in the same prison as Gray! To be tormented." Some expressed concern for Ian after Kathy's warning about "monsters" and "victims."
Images Show Tense Confrontation
Ian's mother said she thought some people survived prison because they were "already monsters" and liked to pick "victims" they could bully. She added that Ian was a victim among the two.
The BBC released an advanced image from tomorrow's episode that suggests Gray plans to hurt or torment Ian. In the picture, Gray stares emotionlessly at Ian with a hand in his pocket. Ian appears to keep his distance, hands raised as if begging Gray not to hurt him.
Another image shows Ian behind bars, using a telephone. He looked unhappy, suggesting he had not been told about the appeal Chelsea is trying to arrange. During Tuesday's episode, Kathy said she didn't want Ian to know about the appeal to avoid raising his hopes.
