Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) has been sent to prison in EastEnders after being declared over the limit when his car reversed into Jordan Fox (Jahsiah Williams) earlier this year. The local councillor was devastated to learn he might face jail, but relief came when Jordan showed signs of improvement, which Ian hoped would help his sentencing. Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) felt guilty for shouting at Jordan on the night of the incident, telling him to leave her alone moments before Ian knocked him over. She resolved to speak at court to explain the situation but failed to make it in time, resulting in Ian receiving an eight-month sentence.
Gray Atkins plots from behind bars
Serial killer Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith) spotted Ian from afar in prison, and the cogs started turning in his mind. Gray is on a mission to get closer to his son Jordan, using his nan Sheila (Sheila Ruskin) to do so. Sheila has built a close bond with Chelsea and has secretly been sharing details about Jordan's life with Gray. However, their plan was scuppered when Denise Fox (Diane Parish), who is battling cancer, learned of Sheila's presence and asked her to stay away. Gray was displeased to hear that Ian only got eight months, and at the close of Tuesday's episode, he spotted Ian in jail.
Ian targeted by inmates and Gray
In upcoming scenes, Ian is targeted by his fellow inmates, but that soon proves to be the least of his concern when he crosses paths with Gray. The question remains: what does the evil murderer have in store for Ian? Will he use Ian to get closer to Chelsea, or will Ian face danger because Gray holds him responsible for what happened to Jordan? Ian is confirmed to be back on screens and out of prison by New Year's Day, as he featured in the Max Branning flashforward episode, but how much trouble will Gray cause before then?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
