EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt unveils new look during break from soap Here's where Ian's been hiding. 27/04/2021 EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has shown off a new look while he takes a break from the soap. The actor, who has played Ian Beale since the BBC soap's very first episode in 1985, shared a photo with his followers on Instagram while riding his bike in Manchester. And the usually clean-cut Adam was seen sporting a beard, as he told fans: "Another day, another bike ride. This time Manchester. Amazing what you see when out on a bike." Adam WoodyattInstagram Ian was last seen in Albert Square in January. He exited Walford in the middle of the night without saying any goodbyes after discovering his wife Sharon (Letitia Dean) had been poisoning him.