'EastEnders' Ian Beale 'to claim dead wife'

EastEnders' Ian Beale will reportedly claim that his wife is dead, in a bid to win the affections of a Walford newcomer.

The Albert Square businessman has been married four times, with his most recent ex-wife Jane leaving after winning the café in their divorce. The plot saw actress Laurie Brett, who gave birth to a baby girl last month, exit on maternity leave.

Ian (Adam Woodyatt) will realise that he can win women's sympathy with his story, after deciding to "get back on the horse" and begin dating again, the Daily Star claims.

Newcomer Cheryl, played by actress Heather Craney, is the first woman Ian puts his scheme into action on.

"Ian will do anything," a source told the paper. "He's pathetic. But his lie will catch up with him."

Woodyatt previously stated that Ian was "devastated" to have lost Jane, but said that he would need to "start rebuilding his life on his own".

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