That title belongs to Adam Woodyatt, who played local caterer Ian Beale. Woodyatt initially joined the “EastEnders” cast at the tender age of 17 (via Birmingham Mail), practically growing up on the soap opera set. Having played Ian for more than 30 years, Woodyatt has produced some of “EastEnders” most memorable moments, as MyLondon notes, from being shot by his half-brother’s estranged wife to the aftermath of his daughter’s murder (“I’ve got nothing left!”), Woodyatt certainly left his mark on Albert Square.
So it came as quite a surprise in 2021 when the actor left the “Eastenders” for an “extended break” (via RadioTimes). During his time away from Albert Square, Woodyatt broadened his career options and eventually found himself locked up in a Welsh castle with a dozen other celebrities in ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!”
Prior to appearing on the survival reality show, Woodyatt shocked “EastEnders” fans when he insinuated that his break from the soap may actually be permanent.
