EastEnders viewers are convinced they’ve spotted the next brewing romance in Albert Square
EastEnders viewers are speculating about a potential new love interest for Ian Beale, almost a year after his dramatic split from Cindy.
During Wednesday’s visit to Walford (November 26), locals prepared for a quiz night organised by Alfie Moon (played by Shane Richie) at the Queen Vic.
Entrepreneur Ian (Adam Woodyatt) declared that the victor would receive a reduction on haddock and chips from his fish shop, which left Elaine Peacock (Harriett Thorpe) highly entertained.
“Nothing says festive generosity like discounted haddock,” Elaine quipped as Ian and his mother, Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), chuckled alongside the former landlady.
Later that evening, the quiz concluded with a nail-biting tie-breaker between Ian and Elaine, during which they bickered over the right response, reports OK!.
Alfie declared Ian the victor, leaving Elaine puzzled. However, Ian’s cheerful mood was quickly destroyed.
Whilst everyone was distracted, baby Jimmy Beale managed to grab a knife that Ian had abandoned on the table.
Shortly afterwards, he injures himself, causing Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) to react with horror as chaos erupts around her.
The devastating shock of the incident triggers Lauren’s anxieties about Jimmy’s prospects, given that he was born with severe visual impairment.
Later in the programme, Ian and Kathy visit the Minute Mart, where they encounter Elaine. Despite Ian questioning her beverage selection, Elaine comforts him by insisting that Jimmy’s mishap wasn’t his responsibility.
After recent flirtatious exchanges between Ian and Elaine, certain EastEnders fans are convinced they’ve detected romantic sparks flying between the pair.
Ian was formerly married to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who subsequently married George Knight (Colin Salmon) whilst living under witness protection.
When Cindy departed from George, he eventually found love with Elaine and relocated to Walford in 2023.
Cindy later reignited her relationship with Ian before their split at Christmas 2024 when her affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) came to light.
Shortly afterwards, Elaine and George also decided to divorce. However, in an unexpected turn of events, might Ian and Elaine discover romance together?
Taking to X, one viewer posted: “Can see Ian and Elaine getting together #EastEnders.”
Another commented: “Ian and Elaine are definitely going to become an item #Eastenders.”
Whilst a third remarked: “Clearly gearing up for Elaine and Ian’s romance, I can’t be a****. #EastEnders.”
“My bet is Ian and Elaine getting together at some point #EastEnders,” forecast one fan.
Someone else quipped: “How long until Ian spends a night in the Peacock Palace master bedroom? #EastEnders.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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