EastEnders’ Ian Beale has returned from his trip to America and is back with his former spouse Cindy Beale but just how many times has this Walford regular been hitched?

This week on EastEnders, viewers witnessed a horrific incident at Peggy’s nightclub where a carnival-themed evening resulted in a mass crush, leaving two locals hospitalised.

The only fire exit was located in the office where Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and Junior (Micah Balfour) were caught in a compromising situation.

When they finally opened the doors, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) questioned why Cindy was there.

Could this be the start of Cindy’s affair with Junior being revealed and if so, how will her partner Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) respond?

How many times has EastEnders’ Ian Beale been married?

Despite not being one of the BBC drama’s heartthrobs, businessman Ian Beale certainly has an extensive history when it comes to marriages.

Since EastEnders first aired in 1985, Ian has said “I do” an impressive six times, making him the most married resident in Albert Square’s history.

The wives of EastEnders’ Ian Beale

Cindy Beale

Ian’s romantic journey has come full circle as his current girlfriend Cindy was also his first wife, whom he wed in 1989.

Their relationship was fraught with turbulence after she had two affairs, one of which resulted in the birth of her son Steven (Aaron Sidwell). Despite this, he forgave Cindy and they went on to have twins Peter (Thomas Law) and Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).

Her second affair with his half-brother David Wicks (Michael French) led him to end their marriage and gain custody of their children. However, Cindy wasn’t about to take it lying down and hired a hitman to kill her ex.

Despite being shot, Ian made a full recovery and years later, they rekindled their romance in France.

Melanie Healy

Ian’s second wife Melanie Healy (Tamzin Outhwaite) proved that he certainly has a type when it comes to feisty blondes.

Before tying the knot in 1999, Mel cheated on Ian with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp). When he discovered she planned to leave him, he falsely claimed that Lucy was dying of cancer.

Ian and Mel got married, but she found out at the reception that Lucy was never ill and subsequently left him.