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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

EastEnders fans distracted from twisted Ian by large issue with new Peter Beale

EastEnders fans were distracted tonight by a large issue with the new Peter Beale.

Dayle Hudson, who made his first appearance last week, has taken over the role of Ian Beale's son from previous actor Ben Hardy.

During tonight's episode, Ian and Bobby were both stunned when Peter arrived at the hospital - with his dad shouting: "Peter, you've come home!"

Peter went to shake Ian's hand but the business mogul went in for an awkward hug, which highlighted a big change.

EastEnders fans questioned what Peter had been eating in New Zealand to make him grow so tall.

Ian and Bobby got a shock when Peter arrived back (BBC)
Peter was not as thrilled to see Ian (BBC)

Viewers took to Twitter after watching the new Peter on their screens.

One viewer asked: "Has the new Peter Beale been having miracle grow?"

"Since when did Peter become a giant?!," added another.

A third said: "Just because Peter went to NZ doesn’t mean he had to grow a foot taller."

"I still can’t get over how tall new Peter Beale is they did not think scene framing through when they cast him," said a fourth.

He's just a tad taller than his dad (BBC)

Peter agreed to stick around for a few days for Kathy's sake but his cold feelings towards his dad and Bobby were evident.

Bobby then revealed that his dad was a hero for trying to save Dennis - but the Beales were unaware that Ian was actually partly to blame for his death.

Stuttering Ian said: "I’m not a hero, OK?. Heroes save people. I didn’t do anything no one else would have done."

Peter seemed to gain some respect for his dad, but what will happen when he finds out the awful truth?

EastEnders recast Peter Beale as actor Dayle Hudson (BBC)
Ben Hardy played the last incarnation of Peter (BBC)

Seven actors have played the role of Peter since he was first seen on our screens in December 1993.

Francis Brittin-Snell was first to be cast in the role as a baby and was on the soap until 1996.

He was followed briefly by Alex Stevens from 97 to 98, before Joseph Shade took over until 2004.

James Martin starred as Peter for two years (BBC)
Thomas Law played teenage Peter (BBC)

Thomas Law played Peter during his teenage years from 2006 until 2010.

The character returned to Albert Square in 2013 with Ben Hardy taking over the role until Peter left for New Zealand after Lucy's death.

Dayle Hudson has joined the BBC soap this year - but how long will Peter be staying along?

*EastEnders airs on BBC One on Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm

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