Adam Woodyatt sticking with EastEnders

EastEnders is hanging on to its only original cast member for at least another year with the news Adam Woodyatt has renewed his contract.

The Mirror reports that Woodyatt, who has played Ian Beale since 1985, has signed a new deal worth £320k. The news follows a report earlier this month which claimed the actor was leaving the show – claims swiftly denied by the beeb.

“Adam has  got some brilliant storylines coming up and he’s decided now is not the time for a departure. Everyone is thrilled he’s staying.” – A source speaking to The Mirror

Adam is the show’s only remaining star from episode 1 after Wendy Richard resigned last year amid reports of creative differences. Wendy was said to be unhappy when producers decided that her character, Pauline Fowler, should remarry.  

Ian’s storylines have seen him unlucky in love and in a long-running feud with Phil Mitchell.