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

| Freelance soaps writer Published October 14, 2026 7:00am Ned takes advantage (Picture:BBC) 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. Ian has been struggling after being released from prison (Picture: BBC) 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. Ned has made a discovery about Mark and Lauren (Picture: BBC) 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? Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. And is Ian in danger? Deals of the Day The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in Most of us aren't getting enough fibre – this easy supplement could change that My honest review of the new UKLash Lash Lift Gel EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 19th October at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Ryder sobs in bully Ned’s arms and Craig’s revenge as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: Ned’s shock ‘favour’ of Mark and dark Craig twist as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: Ryder stands up to abusive dad Ned in EastEnders – and grim consequences follow The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.