Ian Beale is one of EastEnders’ longest-serving characters and certainly one of the most married – but actor Adam Woodyatt’s real life is a lot more low-key
Ian Beale is a well-known face in Walford, having been married multiple times, but off-screen, actor Adam Woodyatt leads a much more low-key life.
Ian Beale has been a staple of Walford since his teenage years, helping out on his dad’s fruit and veg stall. Having made his debut in the very first EastEnders episode back in 1985, Ian is one of the longest-serving characters on the show and holds the record for the most marriages.
The son of Pete and Kathy Beale has walked down the aisle six times with five different women, survived an attempt on his life by a hitman, been dunked in the toilet by Phil Mitchell, and endured a heartbreaking breakdown that left him homeless. He’s currently engaged to his ex-wife and the love of his life, Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins), as they prepare to say ‘I do’ for the second time.
Ian is the Alan Sugar of Walford, running a string of businesses, a dream he’s had since the show’s early days. As one of TV’s most recognisable faces, Ian has been a part of our lives for decades, and let’s face it – Albert Square just wouldn’t be the same without him.
At 56, Adam Woodyatt has devoted the majority of his acting career to bringing EastEnders fans the humorous and gritty character of Ian. He’s become a legend in the soap world and a national treasure.
EastEnders fans will no doubt be familiar with the history of Ian as a character, but let’s delve into the life of actor Adam Woodyatt away from the BBC One drama.
Born on June 28, 1968, in Walthamstow, Adam is a true East London lad. The intellectual Adam attended some prestigious schools including the independent Forest School in Waltham Forest, Llanidloes High School in Wales, and the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Adam bagged his first acting gig in the TV series The Baker Street Boys, where he played the character Shiner in 1983. That same year, Adam took on the role of Dave Firkettle in The Witches and the Grinnygog before landing the part of Ian Beale in EastEnders in 1985.
After wrapping up filming in 2020, Adam took a well-earned break from EastEnders. In episodes that aired in January 2021, viewers saw a broken Ian after his marriage to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) crumbled.
Ian bid farewell to Walford and relocated to France where he reconnected with Cindy. In 2022, he made a brief return for Dot Cotton’s funeral before making a full-time comeback in 2023.
During his hiatus from the soap, Adam starred in a touring production of a play called Looking Good Dead and the musical My Fair Lady. He lived in a motorhome as he toured the UK with these shows.
Adam also had a stint in the 2021 series of I’m A Celebrity, entering the camp on day five and exiting on day 18 in sixth place.
Adam Woodyatt confirmed in 2020 that he and his wife Beverley Sharp had parted ways after two decades of marriage.
The duo exchanged vows in the magical setting of Disney World, Florida, in the year 1998. Their family includes their two kids Jessica Woodyatt (born in 1993) and Samuel James (born in 1997) both of whom had a glimpse of fame with cameos in ‘EastEnders’ in December 2020.
Responding to the news at the time, Adam’s spokesperson said: “Beverley and Adam separated in August last year, and we ask that the family’s privacy is respected.”
The pair’s divorce was finalised in 2022, according to reports in The Mirror.
EastEnders airs Monday through Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One and is on BBC iPlayer.
