Ian returns home to Albert Square

Lauren is shocked after spotting a dishevelled Ian at the hostel. With Lucy upbeat after getting the businesses back under control, Lauren and Whitney decide that they can't break the news to her. However, Lauren does confide in her parents about what she saw. Tanya and Max then ask Alfie to join them as they make their way to the place where Lauren spotted Ian.

At first, it seems that the journey is a huge waste of time, but they finally find a man sleeping in an underpass and are shocked to realise that it's Ian. Tanya, Max and Alfie try to clean Ian up before bringing him back home to Albert Square to be reunited with his family. However, it seems that the reunion won't be an easy one - now that she is finally finding her feet, Lucy doesn't seem as pleased to see her father as everyone had expected…

Meanwhile, Lola tries to get Ben and Jay's friendship back on track, having noticed the tension between the pair. Lola's efforts give the duo a chance to speak again, but they're only being civil for Lexi's sake. Ben is devastated when Jay remarks that their friendship will never be the same again following recent events.

Elsewhere, Michael reaches out to Alfie for support as he waits for Janine and Scarlett to come home. However, Alfie is distracted by Ian's problems and snubs Michael - leaving him more isolated than ever.

Also today, Anthony invites Alice out for a second date as he doesn't want to hurt her feelings - but Joey isn't pleased by the development. It seems that Joey and his father are on the same side for once when Derek vows to put a stop to the romance for good.