Ian’s EastEnders prison story is finally picked up again as he gets a visitor

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published September 25, 2026 11:59pm Who’s checking in on Ian? Hopefully not a serial killer this time… (Picture: BBC) The prison ordeal for Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is about to get real with a surprise reveal that will make you feel – and it’s a big deal. The EastEnders character has had a quiet few weeks on Albert Square – mainly because he’s not been on it. The shrewd proprietor of Beale’s Plaice has been forced to trade his Walford gaff for a prison cell after receiving an eight-month sentence for unknowingly hitting Jordan Fox (Jahsaiah Williams) with his car while driving over the limit. The local councilor lost his reputation, was separated from his family, and forced to spend every day behind bars knowing that he was responsible for giving a child life-changing injuries. Ian got justice in court (Picture: BBC) Think things couldn’t get any worse? Clearly you’ve not watched enough EastEnders. Enter Gray Atkins’ (Toby-Alexander Smith), one of Walford’s most prolific serial killers, the father of Jordan, and Ian’s fellow inmate. Gray was able to use Ian’s fear of not making it out of prison alive to his own ends, manipulating into helping him worm his way into Jordan’s life. To this end, Gray offered to offer Ian protection inside. In return, Ian had to convince Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) to visit him in prison. Although Ian managed to pull it off, Chelsea was none-too-pleased to be tricked into a meeting with her murderous abusive baby-daddy. Ian did as he was told, with Chelsea horrified when she came face-to-face with Gray. Turns out, it was all a ploy to distract her while Gray’s nan Sheila (Sheila Ruskin) kidnapped Jordan and took him out of the country. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Fortunately, Denise (Diane Parish) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) thwarted Gray’s scheme, causing the bloodthirsty killer to take his anger out on Ian and blame him for tipping them off – which he didn’t. When Gray attacked him with makeshift weapon,a struggle ensued ending with Gray getting stabbed. Ian was at the mercy of the murderous Gray. (Picture: BBC) While Gray survived his wounds in hospital, Ian was apprehended and his future was left looking bleak… Since then, the focus has been on the other big stories of Albert Square, with Ian remaining behind bars. However, upcoming scenes of EastEnders will see Ian get a touching visit from someone very dear to his heart – his son, Peter Beale (Thomas Law). Peter visits Ian in prison to update him on life on the Square, which soon turns into a tender father/son exchange where he reflects on his happy marriage to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). He says this of course, with no idea that the steamy sexual tension between his wife and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) is about to reach boiling point… Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale Arrow MORE: Sex scandal rocks EastEnders and this couple will turn lives upside down Arrow MORE: Cindy takes revenge on Lauren in EastEnders after huge bombshell – with a shock outcome Arrow MORE: EastEnders return confirmed amid shock exit as new spoilers reveal what happens next The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.