Next week’s EastEnders sees Ian Beale make his long-awaited return to Albert Square… but he doesn’t quite get the warm welcome home he was expecting.
Ian has been to New Zealand to visit estranged son Peter Beale, and after spending months on the other side of the world, Ian has finally made it back to Walford.
But things have changed since he’s been away, not only has his mum bought and opened a gay bar, but his killer son Bobby Beale is also out of prison and back on home turf.
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EastEnders fans have watched Bobby struggling to fit back into life on Albert Square, leaving Kathy tearing her hair out as she tries to help her grandson get his life back on track.
But things are tense between Kathy and Ian when he returns next week, mainly because the businessman is in his mum’s bad books for not coming back sooner when his son needed him the most.
However, if Ian thought things were tricky with his mum, he’s about to find they’re even tougher when he comes face-to-face with Bobby.
With things extremely awkward between Ian and his son, Ben suggests they all go to The Vic to celebrate their family reunion… but as soon as they walk into the pub it becomes clear that they shouldn’t have bothered.
The locals are less than impressed with Bobby being there, and eventually it’s only Denise who offers him some words of support.
But it’s all too much for Bobby and he rushes home and demands to be left alone.
However, it’s not just Bobby’s homecoming that has left Ian feeling out of sorts. He’s also stunned when he tries to get hold of Masood about their restaurant and finds out that he’s left Walford.
But before Kathy can explain that Max Branning is now his new business partner, Bobby arrives home bloodied and bruised.
Ian immediately flies off the handle, convinced that this is Max’s doing, and even through Mr Branning denies all knowledge of Bobby’s attack, Ian won’t hear it.
But as things are at their lowest point between the two men, Ian is horrified to find out that Max is actually his new business partner!
As Ian tries to get his head around the fact he’s in business with one of his worst enemies, Kathy berates him for the fact he hasn’t been around like he should have been, and delivers her son a few harsh home truths.
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But while they’re talking, Bobby gets a call from a friend and it seems he is finally found a way to make himself feel better about his life.
As Ian promises to keep his son close so that he can help him settle back into life outside of prison, he is completely unaware that Bobby has run away.
But where is Bobby going? And is he coming back?
EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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