EastEnders legend Ian Beale will reportedly face death this Christmas, in a shocking new storyline on the BBC soap.
Adam Woodyatt's character has upset several characters on the Square recently, with that set to continue in the lead-up to the festive episodes.
Ahead of the actor taking a brief break from the BBC soap as part of a new storyline, Ian will apparently be attacked in a major whodunnit.
According to reports, the soap favourite will be "bludgeoned in The Queen Vic" by a mystery culprit.
With Ian left fighting for his life, one character will be keeping a dark secret - and it could really be anyone.
Sharon Watts and ex Phil Mitchell are yet to discover his true involvement in the death of her son Dennis earlier this year.
Dotty Cotton knows the truth, and is desperate to expose him.
Then there's his own family, with him pushing mum Kathy Beale, and sons Peter and Bobby away.
Let's not forget Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, who is set to depart Walford in upcoming dramatic scenes of his own - with Ian stealing his savings recently.
It's not clear when Ian will disappear off screen, and when actor Adam will start his break - but perhaps this is the storyline leading to that exit.
According to The Sun Online, the shocking attack will pave the way for dramatic scenes across December and Christmas Day.
A source reportedly told the publication: "People are queuing up to cave Ian’s head in.
"He borrowed money from Max and hasn’t paid him back. Kathy knows Ian remortgaged the café without telling her, plus he’s upset his sons in money rows.
"Dotty knows what happened to Dennie on the boat so may have an axe to grind. Even Phil Mitchell could be involved. He’s never far from trouble."
The source added to them: "As far as legendary EastEnders characters go, Ian is up there with the best so this storyline will leave viewers shocked.
"He has no shortage of enemies so exactly who attacked him and left him for dead will be the focus of the weeks that follow."
Mirror online have contacted the a spokesperson for the soap for comment.
EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.35pm on BBC One.
