'EastEnders' deny Ian Beale death storyline

The BBC today categorically denied a claim in a Sunday newspaper that the only remaining original EastEnders cast member would be killed off next month.

The Daily Star on Sunday suggested that veteran Walford actor Adam Woodyatt – who plays chippy owner Ian Beale – has filmed his final scenes for an episode which is to air at the end of next month.

The episode in question will involve the biggest stunt the BBC soap has ever seen and viewers will be left on the edge of their seats as to the outcome.

The story claimed that two endings to the ongoing Mitchell-Beale feud have been filmed – one where Ian dies and the other where he survives.

A spokesperson for the soap, however, told DS: "We don't comment on future storylines but Adam Woodyatt is definitely not leaving the show."

This is the second time that programme makers have denied claims that Woodyatt would be leaving – the first being only a month after Wendy Richard sensationally quit the Square at the end of last year.