EastEnders fans and Ian Beale himself can expect a nostalgic treat when characters from his past - played by Gillian Taylforth, Michelle Collins, Pam St Clement and Hetti Bywater - return for a Children in Need sketch.
Ian (Adam Woodyatt) is knocked unconscious and visited by some infamous ghosts from his past in the sketch. He finds his home-wrecking ex-wife Cindy (Michelle Collins) in his kitchen; Pat (Pam St Clement) and her notorious earrings are running The Queen Vic; his mum Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) has a surprising new love interest and he has a touching encounter with his daughter Lucy (Hetti Bywater) whose killer is still on the loose.
Adam told Children in Need: “It was one of the best days I have ever had at work. I never thought I would see the day where I was reunited with Gillian, Pam, Michelle and Hetti, so to work with them all again and for such a great cause was an absolute dream. As soon as we got on set it was like none of them had ever left.”
He described what happens in the sketch: “After being knocked unconscious Ian finds himself taken back in time and he comes into contact with Pat, Cindy, Kathy and Lucy in various iconic places around The Square. I don't want to spoil it, but Ian is really happy to see some faces and completely knocked for six by others. But then again I think finding your late ex-wife in your kitchen is enough to shock anyone.”
Gillian also talked to Children in Need about the sketch, revealing 'it was surreal being back, but it was fantastic to have the chance to play Kathy again. Once I was back in the cafe with my apron on and stirring the beans it was like I had never left'.
Hetti said: “It was so nice to be back on set and see everyone again especially as Lucy’s murder is such a big storyline at the moment and her killer is still on the loose. The fact that the sketch is for BBC Children in Need is an added bonus as it’s such an amazing charity.”
Were you pleased when you heard that Lucy and Ian would be reunited? “Yes, I thought it was such a great idea that Lucy and Ian would be reunited one last time. Ian feels guilty as the last few conversations they had didn’t end well so it was nice for them to have a final moment together. Lucy and Ian have had their fair share of ups and downs but Lucy always loved her family so to work with Adam again at such a prominent time for the Beale family was fantastic.”
The sketch will feature as part of the BBC Children in Need night on Friday, November 14.
