Cindy, Ian, Peter, Kathy and Bobby from EastEnders in front of a burgundy background
The family are set to be blown apart (Picture: BBC)

The Beales are a family of soap stalwarts, who have become synonymous with EastEnders since the very first episode in 1985.

However, they are set to be blown apart in upcoming episodes when Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) staggering secret is revealed.

Ian returned to Albert Square last year with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) in tow – much to the horror of Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).

In the months that have followed, there have been many ups and downs for the family, with Cindy’s eye wandering on more than one occasion, and a secret night of passion with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) threatening to destroy their relationship.

Cindy and Ian talking in Beale's Eels in EastEnders
Ian causes suspicions in upcoming scenes (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

However, it is Ian who is set to cause suspicions among his family in upcoming scenes when he anxiously checks his phone, before making excuses as to why he can’t attend Bobby Beale’s (Clay Milner Russell) birthday celebrations.

When Ian reveals that he plans on running for the council again, and insists that he’s attending a leadership course in Manchester, Peter Beale (Thomas Law) is quick to suss out his lie.

He reveals that he checked with the council and demands to know what’s really going on.

Cindy investigating the outside of a house in EastEnders
Cindy decides to track Ian down (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Ian looking at Cindy like he's just been caught out in EastEnders
How will Ian explain himself? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Next week, Ian prepares to leave for his trip under Peter’s disapproving glare, but the contents of his suitcase soon spark suspicion for Cindy.

Assuming Kathy knows what Ian is hiding and is covering for him, Cindy quizzes her.

Following Kathy’s advice, Cindy heads to Beale’s Eels and asks Ian if he’s having an affair. Though he assures her he’s not, Cindy later makes another discovery that leaves her questioning everything.

Follow Metro Soaps on WhatsApp and get all the latest spoilers first!

Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?

Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.

Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!

Determined to get to the truth, Cindy asks George Knight (Colin Salmon) to drive her to a mysterious address…

After tracking Ian down, Cindy and George confront him, before Peter and Bobby arrive.

Following the dramatic events, Cindy lays awake, exhausted, and when she later tries to talk to Ian he reveals another shocking truth.

Just what is Ian hiding, and is it enough to tear the Beale’s apart for good?

MORE : EastEnders’ Ian Beale hides a major secret as his loved ones reel

MORE : EastEnders ‘confirms’ major exit as legend reels over unexpected death in 40 pictures

MORE : EastEnders confirms devastating death as scheming Reiss goes too far