Ian Beale has been knocking around Walford since he was a teenager pitching in on his dads fruit and veg stall. Appearing in the very first EastEnders episode back in 1985, Ian is one of the show's most longest-serving characters and the most married too.
The son of Pete and Kathy Beale has had six weddings to five women, been shot by a hitman, bog-washed by Phil Mitchell more times than he cares to remember, and suffered a heart-wrenching breakdown where he became homeless. He's also engaged once more to the love of his life, and ex-wife, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) as they plan to tie the knot for a second time.
But Ian is basically Walford's answer to Alan Sugar as he runs a series of businesses, a dream he had from the very first episodes. As one of television's most famous faces, Ian has been a part of our lives for decades, and let's be honest - Albert Square wouldn't be the same without him.
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The 56-year-old has dedicated most of his acting career to bring EastEnders fans the humorous and gritty character of Ian, he's a masterpiece in soapland and a national treasure.
EastEnders fans will feel like they know Ian inside out, so let's take a look at the life of Adam Woodyatt away from the BBC One soap.
Adam was born on June 28, 1968, in Walthamstow so he grew up within East London. Not only an extremely talented youngster, but intellectual Adam also attended some prestigious schools including the independent Forest School in Waltham Forest, Llanidloes High School in Wales, and the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School.
He landed his first acting role in the TV series The Baker Street Boys playing the part of Shiner in 1983. The same year Adam portrayed Dave Firkettle in The Witches and the Grinnygog before he was cast as Ian Beale in EastEnders in 1985.
Adam took a well-deserved break from EastEnders after he wrapped up filming in 2020. In scenes that aired in January 2021, Ian was a shell of a man when after his marriage to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) fell apart.
Ian left Walford and moved to France where he reconnected with Cindy. In 2022, he made a brief appearance for Dot Cotton's funeral before making a permanent comeback in 2023.
During his time away from the show, Adam is starred in a touring production of a play called Looking Good Dead and the musical My Fair Lady. During this time, he lived in motorhome as the shows went on tour across the UK.
He also appeared in the 2021 series of I'm A Celebrity entering the camp on day five and leaving on day 18 in sixth place.
In 2020, Adam announced his split from wife Beverley Sharp after 22 years of marriage.
The couple married at Disney World in Florida in 1998 and have two children Jessica Woodyatt (born in 1993) and Samuel James (born in 1997) who made a cameo in EastEnders in December 2020.
At the time of the announcement a spokesperson for Adam said: "Beverley and Adam separated in August last year, and we ask that the family's privacy is respected."
In 2022, the pairs divorce was reportedly finalises, reports The Mirror.