EastEnders reveals Ian prison twist on iPlayer as he's locked up with a familiar face

 His problems are only just beginning…

EastEnders fans can expect a huge prison storyline for Ian Beale and Gray Atkins.

The twist was revealed in Tuesday's episode, as viewers learned that Ian will be serving time in the same jail as the evil killer. Gray has been back on our screens for a month, but his story now looks set to step up a gear.

Ian has been sentenced to eight months behind bars after he accidentally reversed into Chelsea Fox's young son Jordan on the night of Ross Marshall and Vicki Fowler's wedding reception.

The businessman and local councillor was over the drink-drive limit when he got behind the wheel, believing there wouldn't be a problem as he'd only had one drink.

In Tuesday's episode, Ian was led out of court to begin his sentence after Chelsea had failed to turn up on time to speak in his defence.

Feeling terrible for not managing to turn things around, Chelsea later confided in Jordan's great-grandmother Sheila about how she was partly to blame for the little boy's accident.

Chelsea revealed her desire to help Ian by assisting him with an appeal, but admitted that they'd need Sheila's financial support to meet the necessary legal costs.

Later, deceptive Sheila headed to prison to confide in Gray about Ian's punishment and Chelsea's unexpected confession.

Back on the wing shortly afterwards, Gray recognised Ian among a batch of new inmates and saw an opportunity to start scheming…

The latest plot twist indicates that viewers will continue to see Ian during his time in jail, with more twists and turns ahead for him as his ordeal begins.

Meanwhile, EastEnders' New Year flashforward episode – set in January 2027 – has already confirmed that Ian will be back on the Square by the end of the year, so at least we know he'll make it out alive...