As the rivalry between two characters continues it appears there is a big change on the horizon for Ian Beale
20:52, 28 Jan 2026Updated 21:11, 28 Jan 2026
Ian Beale has been a staple on EastEnders since 1985 (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders businessman Ian Beale and boutique hotel owner Elaine Peacock have been at loggerheads, vowing to ruin each other’s reputations and businesses.
As fans of the BBC show will know, Elaine (played by Harriet Thorpe) and Ian’s (Adam Woodyatt) ongoing feud escalated when the hotelier slandered the food at Kathy’s café.
In a bid to defend his mum, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), a furious Ian made an official complaint to Councillor Barker (Iain Fletcher) about the bold sign outside Peacock Palace, and requested the “eye-sore” be removed.
However, Ian’s plan backfired when Elaine discovered Councillor Barker’s affair with his assistant and struck up a deal.
Ian and Elaine have been at loggerheads in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
The councillor agreed to turn a blind eye to Elaine’s illegally obtained planning permission while he used her hotel for his secret liaisons.
Earlier this week, George Knight (Colin Salmon) invited his ex-wife, Elaine, out for a drink at The Vic, leaving her hopeful of a romantic reunion, but she was soon left embarrassed.
The former boxer gently informed Elaine that he and Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) were expecting a baby together, leaving Elaine taking her anger out on nearby Ian, who didn’t take well to the verbal abuse.
Ian Beale got Councillor Barker the sack in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
In another revenge plot, Ian, who first appeared in the show in 1985, contacted the local paper after spotting Barker and his mistress walking into the hotel, and his photo landed on the front page, leading to Barker’s sacking.
Adding fuel to the fire, Elaine rammed into Kathy’s car, leaving her with a neck ache and furious that she had been dragged into Ian’s argument.
On Wednesday (January 28), Elaine approached the Beales to apologise and to call a truce. But later in the episode, it was clear their feud wasn’t over as Ian confirmed his plan to run for disgraced Barker’s vacant seat on the council.
With a smug expression, he told Elaine that when he is Walford’s Councillor, he will make it his mission to close Peacock Palace, once and for all.
Ian Beale has new plans in EastEnders (Image: BBC)
EastEnders viewers are now urging Ian to stop his crusade to ruin Elaine’s life, with one person writing: “This Ian and Elaine saga needs to stop #eastenders.”
A second added: “Ian really won’t stop pushing Elaine #EastEnders”, while a third joked: “This Back And Forth With Elaine & Ian Tho #EastEnders.”
“Ooh, will Ian be standing for the council again? #EastEnders,” asked another.
EastEnders airs weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer
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