[bbfan1991]

This is the first look at EastEnders businessman Ian Beale's shocking transformation, which will feature on screen in upcoming episodes.

Ian has been absent from Walford since last month, when he suffered a breakdown and did a disappearing act after being jilted by fiancée Mandy Salter on their wedding day.

Tabloid reports recently revealed that Ian will be returning to EastEnders as a tramp - which has now been confirmed as a new picture shows him looking dishevelled with long hair and a beard.



It is thought that Ian has been sleeping rough on the streets in recent weeks following his sad downfall.

Ian's breakdown was a major story last month as viewers saw him become increasingly frantic while trying to juggle his ailing financial affairs and many problems within his family.

EastEnders bosses worked closely with various mental health experts and charities - including Mind and Time to Change - while devising Ian's plotline, with the aim of accurately reflecting and highlighting the issue.

[Ninastar]

sorry but ahahahahahahahahaha

[Saph]

omg that pic

[Jordan.]

[bbfan1991]

ROFL!

[seanraff07]

Can't stop laughing, that picture is priceless!

[GypsyGoth]

[Me. I Am Salman]

Is it just me who finds this quite sad

[Patrick]

[Patrick]

dat beard.

He literally - looks like a troll.

[Jords]

[flamingGalah!]

How ridiculous

As if his hair would have grown that long that quick too

[Kate!]

Originally Posted by flamingGalah!

How ridiculous

As if his hair would have grown that long that quick too

I feel awful for laughing, but c'mon, how ridiculous. As Galah says, not really feasible, plot holes big enough to drive a truck through! Oh dear Eastenders!

[Kate!]

"Adam Woodyatt returns to Eastenders 'sheepishly' (quick farm related pun) after auditioning for the role of yet another Dingle brother in Emmerdale, Ebeneezer Dingle, and losing out to Paul Danan (who had the right retarded look, said an insider).

[Black Dagger]

I must say, for a tramp his shirt is very clean.