Ian reaches breaking point over their future.

EastEnders spoilers follow from Tuesday’s episode (July 16), which hasn’t yet aired on TV but is available to watch early on streaming service BBC iPlayer.

EastEnders has aired a make-or-break moment for Ian and Cindy Beale’s relationship following a dramatic family showdown.

The couple’s relationship has come under serious strain again following the surprise return of Ian’s ex-wife Jane.

Earlier this week, Cindy followed Ian to a mysterious address after realising that he was lying to her about his plans for the week. She made the trip with her ex-husband George Knight, who found himself dragged into her dramas yet again.

Cindy feared that she’d uncovered an affair when she caught Ian spending time at Jane’s with an overnight bag, as Laurie Brett reprised the role for the first time since 2017.

In Tuesday’s episode, Ian set the record straight by insisting that there was nothing untoward about his visit to Jane. He explained that Jane had recently been in touch to ask about reconnecting with their son Bobby, so they’d started meeting up to discuss the delicate situation.

Peter and Bobby, who’d both followed Cindy to Jane’s home, soon turned up too and interrupted the tense conversation.

As emotions ran high, Jane was left devastated as Bobby admitted that he wasn’t sure about welcoming her back into his life.

Bobby was sceptical over whether they could ever have a normal relationship following Jane’s ill-fated decision to cover up his guilt when he killed his sister Lucy in 2014.

Later, Ian and George had their own frosty chat about the day’s events. Ian was annoyed that his potential love rival had stepped in as Cindy’s saviour once again.

George reassured Ian that he had no intention of trying to reconcile with Cindy, explaining how he sees his ex as an “addiction” and now accepts that their relationship wasn’t healthy for him.

In contrast, George heaped praise on how Cindy clearly relies on Ian for “balance” in her life and to keep her “feet on the ground”.

In a surprising response, Ian replied: “What if that isn’t enough for me? To be perfectly honest with you, George, I don’t think she’s good for me either. So if you can beat your addiction, why can’t I?”