Concerns deepen for EastEnders’ Ian as Ned’s influence leads him astray

Following a distressing stint behind bars, EastEnders’ Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is particularly vulnerable at the moment.

He’s been struggling to adjust back to his old life in Walford, but has found an unlikely ally in newcomer Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber).

While Ned initially appeared as a nice guy following his arrival in Walford last month, as the weeks have gone on, fans have seen a darker side lurking beneath the surface.

Not only has he gone toe-to-toe with sister-in-law Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) but he also orchestrated a violent situation to keep his gay son Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff) in the closet.

With his background in therapy, it’s clear Ned knows how to manipulate people, so it’s certainly a cause for concern that he’s getting so close to Ian while he’s feeling so adrift.

As Ian continues to lean on him next week, buoyed by his words of encouragement, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) becomes increasingly suspicious of Ned’s influence and intentions towards her father-in-law.

Of course, Lauren has her own reasons to be wary of Ned, who knows all about her and Mark Fowler Jr’s (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) affair, and has used this to blackmail Mark.

Ignoring Mark’s warnings about going after Ned, Lauren begins digging into his past and receives a cryptic clue from Ryder about his former career…

What will she uncover?

And is Ian in danger?