'EastEnders' Ian proposal shocks Mandy, says Nicola Stapleton

EastEnders star Nicola Stapleton has admitted that her character Mandy Salter is "shocked" when Ian Beale proposes to her in a forthcoming storyline.

Mandy has been living with Ian (Adam Woodyatt) in recent weeks but their ongoing storyline is about to take a surprising twist when the Walford businessman asks her to marry him.

Stapleton, offering Mandy's take on the pair's relationship, told All About Soap: "I think it's more of a friendship for her. They're two people who are both a bit lost in their lives at the moment, and they're just having a laugh together. He gives her stability and makes her feel safe, while she gives him a whole new lease of life."

"Everybody thinks she's a gold-digger, and there are certainly lots of indications that she might be, but there's a real connection between her and Ian as well," she continued. "I wouldn't say that it's deeply romantic, but it's definitely there."

As previously reported, the unexpected proposal comes in the aftermath of a massive row between Ian and Mandy, which culminates in the blonde smashing up a flash sports car that Ian is renting.

Discussing the proposal scene, Stapleton added: "[Ian's] just doing what he thinks she wants him to. After what happens with the car, everything comes to a head between them.

"Ian would go to any lengths to make things right, so his idea of trying to solve their problems is to ask her to marry him. She's shocked, but you'll have to wait and see if she actually accepts."

Stapleton announced her return to EastEnders in the summer after 17 years away from Albert Square.

> EastEnders' Nicola Stapleton to remain on show until 2012
> EastEnders' Ian Beale to propose again
> EastEnders' Ian proposes to Mandy: Promo pics, spoilers
> Read more EastEnders news and spoilers

Watch Ian Beale's EastEnders character trail below: