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I'm A Celebrity 2021: Adam Woodyatt confirms there's no EastEnders return

Im A Celebrity 2021 Adam Woodyatt confirms theres no EastEnders return
He played the character for 35 years.
Adam Woodyatt on I'm A Celebrity
Adam Woodyatt opened up to his I’m A Celebrity campmates (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt appears to have confirmed he won’t be returning to his role as Ian Beale in the soap.

The actor, who’s been on an extended hiatus from his long-running role, chatted to the campmates about wanting to take on other opportunities.

Following his exit from Albert Square, Adam, 53, went on to star in the theatre production Looking Good Dead, which is running into next year.

Frankie Bridge asked him in camp: ‘What made you leave EastEnders Adam?’

Adam, who starred as Ian for 35 years, replied: ‘I just had another opportunity. This play came up. I just fancied doing something different. The way the storyline is, they needed me to take a break. Yeah.. the break’s just got longer.’

Kadeena Cox asked: ‘Would you ever get into film?’ with Adam then replying: ‘I’m available as of April.’

Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale on EastEnders
Adam starred as Ian for 35 years (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

It was previously rumoured that Adam was set to leave EastEnders for good following his appearance on I’m A Celebrity.

A source told The Sun: ‘He’s excited by the prospect of showing the nation who the real Adam Woodyatt is.

‘He is optimistic it will open the minds of producers who might have previously only thought of him as Ian.

‘And there are plenty of stars who’ve gone on to new things as a result of I’m A Celebrity.’

More: I'm A Celebrity

Adam made his final appearance in EastEnders as Ian back in January, after he decided to take a break from the show.

It was originally thought that he would only be away for 10 weeks, but he since revealed that he wouldn’t return until next year at the earliest.

Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for EastEnders for comment.

I’m A Celebrity returns tomorrow at 9pm on ITV.

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MORE : I’m A Celebrity 2021: Adam Woodyatt wife, age, and EastEnders character

MORE : I’m A Celebrity 2021: Adam Woodyatt given stark castle warning by EastEnders co-star Shane Richie

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