EASTENDERS fans are convinced an iconic character is “definitely returning” after they were mentioned in Thursday’s episode.
During tonight’s EastEnders, Kathy Beale and Rocky Cotton were talking about their upcoming wedding with Sonia Fowler and Reiss Colwell.
Kathy was seen discussing her son Ian with Reiss, Sonia and Rocky
Ian was last seen in Walford for Dot Cotton’s funeral
While Kathy was believed to have died in prison
Talking to accountant Reiss about her son, Kathy said: “I think you’d really like Ian.”
Sonia quipped: “Oh yeah, he’d count every penny before you even looked at his account.”
Joining in the jokes Rocky added: “Count every penny and then run off with it. How many times has he been done for fraud, embezzlement, exploitation, blackmail…”
Kathy retorted: “‘Oi! I know he’s not a saint but he’s my son and I love him.”
Turning the conversation to their upcoming nuptials, Rocky said: “Kathy Beale, if you want him at the wedding then I will make it happen. I promise.”
And fans took to social media to share their thoughts, insisting the conversation was a warm up for Ian’s return.
One tweeted: “Oh god that’s Ian back for sure then.”
Another said: “Ian is definitely coming back then.”
And a third added: “Ian mention – he’s on his way back.”
HOAR previously revealed Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt will return to EastEnders after leaving the soap in 2021 – and he will be joined by ex-wife Cindy, who was believed to have died in prison.
Viewers will soon see the couple flogging dodgy baguettes in the South of France.
In scenes to air this summer, Ian and Cindy arrive in a Citroen van packed with sandwiches, with Ian using a translation app on his phone to speak French.
But the locals snub his lame catering, prompting Ian to remark how they would have all been snapped up back in Walford.
A TV insider said: “Bosses wanted to deliver a backstory which explains where they’ve both been all these years.”
