EastEnders: Ian Beale’s exit explained as Dotty exposes his killer secret to Sharon
EASTENDERS fans will finally get what they want next week when Ian Beale is exposed as Dennis Rickman's killer - after spending lockdown with Sharon in the Queen Vic.
The soap legend - who is played by Adam Woodyatt - is being “written out” of upcoming scenes and is expected to be off-screen for 10 weeks. But will Sharon drive him out of Walford? Here’s the lowdown...
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How does Dotty expose Ian's killer secret in EastEnders?
Official spoilers have revealed that Dotty reaches breaking point next week in EastEnders as the day of her court hearing arrives after her arrest at Ruby’s club, which Ian orchestrated.
Ian and Dotty eventually come to an agreement and he changes his statement to drop the charges in return for Dotty’s silence about Dennis.
But later, Ian puts his foot in it by winding Dotty up again and she storms over to The Vic.
It all kicks off as Dotty tells Sharon that Ian is the reason Denny died.
Sharon is left reeling by the revelation and confronts Ian, who desperately tries to defend himself and denies Dotty’s claims.
Who will Sharon believe?
Speaking on Secrets From The Square, after its summer hiatus: "He's been locked in The Vic with Sharon and the baby.
"Ian's still got the guilt of what happened to Dennis. Lies will eventually... they've got to come back and bite him."
What will Ian Beale's exit storyline be in EastEnders?
Ian Beale will be taking a break from EastEnders and is expected to be off-screen for 10 weeks.
Ian is due to take some time away from the Square later this year as part of a big storyline, though soap bosses are yet to confirm what it will entail.
It seems likely that Ian’s temporary exit could centre around the reveal of his killer secret.
But with EastEnders keeping shtum, fans will have to tune in to find out why he exits from the Square.
A source told The Daily Star: "Writers are staying tight-lipped about what happens, so it’s not known yet what the future will hold for the character.
"There are no guarantees and anything can happen in Albert Square."
How will Ian Beale leave EastEnders?
With Ian set to leave shortly after the reveal of his killer secret, how might the soap stalwart be forced to make his exit?
Prison
After Dotty spills the beans about Ian being responsible for Dennis’s death, might grieving mum Sharon decide to put him behind bars?
Or given that Ian got Dotty arrested for drug dealing, might she decide to give him a taste of his own medicine?
Phil murders Ian
Knowing Phil’s hot temper, prison would be the least of Ian’s worries if news of his crime spreads around Albert Square.
Having thought of Dennis as a son, might Phil seek violent revenge against Ian?
Whodunnit
Once Ian’s killer secret is out, he’ll have a number of enemies in the square.
Might Ian be left in a coma for a couple of months after getting attacked by a mystery assailant?
Ian goes on the run
Ian has never exactly been one to face up to his mistakes.
Might he avoid taking responsibility for his actions yet again and flee the Square before anyone can exact revenge?
When is Ian Beale leaving EastEnders?
EastEnders are yet to confirm exactly when Ian will be leaving the soap.
But the character will appear in new scenes when EastEnders returns to our screens this month after it went off air due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But he will then make a dramatic exit at some point in 2020 as part of a planned storyline.
Speaking about the soap’s return, Executive Producer Jon Sen teased: "From the moment we turned the lights out in The Queen Vic our ambition was to come back with a bang and this autumn certainly does that.
"As soon as Albert Square reawakens the drama returns at a pace and, although working within social distancing guidelines has certainly given us some new challenges, I am incredibly proud of what everyone has achieved. The show is looking fantastic and we can’t wait for 'series two' to begin…".
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Is Adam Woodyatt returning to EastEnders?
Adam is the soap's longest-serving cast member, having played the role since 1985.
But fans needn't worry as he's only expected to be off-screen for 10 weeks.
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So yes, he should be returning to the BBC One show.
But with EastEnders yet to speak out about his exit or return, fans will have to stay tuned for more details.