'EastEnders': Who can help Ian Beale? - poll

EastEnders fans have today (June 26) been left stunned by the first look at Ian Beale's next big storyline, which sees him return to screens as a tramp.

Viewers saw Ian depart Walford in sad circumstances last month as he did a sudden disappearing act after suffering a breakdown.

Ian, played by Adam Woodyatt, had been struggling with financial issues and family problems - but the final straw came when his fiancée Mandy Salter jilted him on their wedding day.

With the confirmation that Ian has been sleeping rough during his time off screen, the big question now is: who could help the troubled businessman to get his life back on track in the coming months?

Ian's daughter Lucy (Hetti Bywater) has been plagued with problems of her own since he left the Square - but could she prove herself by successfully getting her father back to his old self?

Meanwhile, Alfie (Shane Richie) and Max (Jake Wood) will both get more involved in the story in a few weeks' time as they decide to go looking for Ian after realising that all is not well.

Alfie and Ian have often confided in each other, while Max agreed to be Ian's best man earlier this year - so could friendship from either of the pair help matters?

Elsewhere, Ian's long-time nemesis Phil (Steve McFadden) would be an unlikely source of support, but the two men did agree to put aside their differences and protect Ben's interests a few weeks ago. Could Phil prove to be Ian's saviour in a surprise twist?

It's also impossible to forget that Walford princess Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) will be back on our screens later this summer, and fans have often speculated that she could help out Ian - if she's not too busy with her own dramas!

Vote in our poll below and let us know who you're backing to be the biggest help to Ian in the coming weeks...

> 'EastEnders': Ian Beale returns as tramp - first look
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