EastEnders fans convinced THIS Walford LEGEND is joining Strictly

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Fans think they have worked out what Adam Woodyatt will be doing in his alleged break from EastEnders...

EastEnders fans are convinced that legendary EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt is heading for Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

The surprising prediction comes after it was reported that Adam's character, Ian Beale, has been written out of the soap for an extended break.

EastEnders character Ian Beale looks like Sam Bird from Love Island

It has been reported Ian will be taking a break from Walford in the autumn (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Kieron McCarron)

A BBC source reportedly told Daily Star that the actor, who has been in the soap for 35 years after appearing in the first ever episode, will be taking a break for 10 weeks.

Goodbye Ian?

An insider allegedly told the website: "Writers are staying tight-lipped about what happens, so it's not known yet what the future will hold for the character.

"There are no guarantees and anything can happen in Albert Square.

"It will be strange for viewers not to have Ian on screen for such a long time.

"But it will be nice for Adam to have some time out after working on the show for so long."

EastEnders Secrets Ian Beale and Kathy Beale

Adam has been back filming since the BBC studios reopened... but it seems his return could be short-lived (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Strictly calling?

But fans are convinced Adam won't be putting his feet up during his time off, and instead think the will be joining Strictly Come Dancing.

Many EastEnders stars have taken a break from filming to appear on the dancing competition, so stranger things have happened.

Emma Barton, Kellie Bright and Jake Wood are among those who have wowed fans with their fancy footwork on the Strictly dance floor.

One fan said on Twitter: "Adam Woodyatt is taking a break from EastEnders for about 10 weeks? Could he be doing Strictly?"

While another added: "OMG Adam doing Strictly would be amazing!"

A third guessed: "Is Adam Woodyatt doing #strictly then?"

While a fourth EastEnders fan agreed: "Is Adam doing Strictly or something?"

Dotty confronts Ian in EastEnders

Will Dotty reveal Ian's secret and force him out of Walford? (Picture: BBC)

Is Adam joining Strictly?

EastEnders are yet to confirm Adam's break from filming, but if it is true it would fit nicely with the storylines already heading our way when the soap returns.

EastEnders is set to air usual episodes from Monday 7th September and it has already been revealed that Ian's troubles with Dotty are only just beginning.

Dotty Cotton is set to decide it's about time Sharon Watts knew the truth about what really happened the night Denny died.

If Sharon discovered the role Ian played in her son's death, all hell is certain to break loose...

BBC One airs EastEnders: Secrets from the Square, hosted by Stacey Dooley, at 8pm on Mondays.

Classic episodes of the soap will air at 7.30pm on Tuesdays - see our handy TV Guide for more information. 

EastEnders episodes return to BBC One on Monday 7th September 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.