Fireworks explode between Ian and Elaine in EastEnders – both literal and carnal

| Freelance soaps writer Published October 28, 2026 9:00pm Ian Beale and Elaine Peacock just can’t keep their hands off each other! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Bonfire Night in Walford turns out to be explosive in more ways than one in EastEnders next week, as passion reignites between Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe). The pair formed an unlikely romance earlier this year after initially going to war against each other in the local council elections. However, their blossoming relationship hit the skids after Ian served a stint behind bars for drink driving. While Elaine had stood by him during the controversy, Ian has been a shell of his former self since his release, and, wanting to put his efforts into getting his family life and businesses back on track, he called things off with the Queen of Peacock Palace. Never one to lose face, Elaine took it in her stride, but it was clear to see she’d been harbouring more feelings for the chippy owner than she’d probably cared to admit. She later found comfort in the arms of frenemy Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) former honeymoon fling Rafael, much to Cindy’s disdain. Things don’t go to plan for Ian (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Next week, things are still tense between Elaine and Ian as they arrange rival firework night celebrations. Ian’s bonfire night gets off to a bad start when he discovers the fireworks he has got from Ryder Roper (Felix Uff) are out of date and can’t be used. Ian threatens to call off the event but attempts to speak to Elaine to borrow some of hers. Elaine gets the wrong impression, thinking Ian is asking her on a date, and refuses him the fireworks. Ian and Elain argue, but sparks ignite… (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Ryder later joins forces with Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) to steal her fireworks, and Elaine and Ian end up arguing. But in classic soap fashion, anger soon turns into passion when Ian interrupts her tirade with a kiss… Is our favourite mismatched couple back with a bang? Deals of the Day The wellbeing brand behind everyone's favourite candles has launched its biggest sale yet See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 2nd November at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Fresh EastEnders exit as child star steps back along with four others Arrow MORE: EastEnders’ Harriet Thorpe admits ‘huge loss’ as legend quits the show after 13 years Arrow MORE: Concerns deepen for EastEnders’ Ian as Ned’s influence leads him astray The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.