Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) made an unexpected decision in recent EastEnders scenes, and his reasons for doing so involved a heartbreaking death.

Since returning to Albert Square, Ian has been happily living with partner Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), though it has been quite clear that her eye has been drifting towards ex-husband George Knight (Colin Salmon).

Several weeks ago, Cindy and George shared a kiss, and it didn’t take long for George’s fiancé Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) to find out all the gory details.

More recently, Elaine revealed all to Ian, who immediately grew cold towards Cindy, much to her confusion.

Later, Cindy confided in George, who revealed that Ian knew everything.

When Cindy confronted Ian about it, he insisted that, as it was just a kiss, he could get over it, which came as an even bigger shock to Cindy.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t discuss it any further because of the arrival of Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).

Later, Ian revealed all to his mum, who was fuming, to say the least.

Cindy and Kathy have never had a particularly good relationship, and Kathy has been adamant that she would do the dirty on Ian again ever since their return to Walford.

Having been proved right, Kathy was left horrified when she realised that Ian wasn’t going to end their relationship.

When Ian admitted that he always knew he was second best to George, but that he wouldn’t be able to find someone new at his age, Kathy insisted that that wasn’t a good enough reason to stay with her.

Ian then revealed the real, heartbreaking reason that he couldn’t lose Cindy, as he explained that she made him feel closer to daughter Lucy.