Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is set to face the consequences of his drink-driving charge in EastEnders next week, as he makes a huge decision that could land him behind bars. The chippy owner was arrested earlier this year after unknowingly knocking over young Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams) following Vicki Fowler and Ross Marshall's wedding celebrations.
Ian's Guilty Plea Decision
After meeting with his lawyer, Ian is advised to plead guilty, a move that causes divisions within his family. Peter Beale (Thomas Law) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) encourage him to follow the advice, but his mother Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) insists he should plead innocent. Despite initially considering a strategy to blame Jordan's mother Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) for negligence, Ian ultimately rejects that tactic.
Ian tries to speak to Chelsea to ask her to change her damning statement, but her mother Denise, home from hospital amid her treatment for blood cancer, has little time for his plight and shares harsh words. After also receiving advice from his lover Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), Ian realizes he is out of options and informs his family of his intention to plead guilty, leaving them stunned.
Seeking Phil Mitchell's Help
As Kathy tries to remain positive, Ian seeks out an unlikely source: Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). The move suggests Ian may be asking Phil to use his criminal contacts to help protect him in prison should he be sentenced. The scenes air from Monday 13th July at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
This storyline follows Ian's arrest after he had only one drink at the party but was over the legal limit, facing an uncertain future. The Foxes and Beales remain at odds over the incident.
