Ian & Jean bond at choir practice
AN UNLIKELY BOND FORMS BETWEEN JEAN AND IAN…
The beginning of a surprising new friendship emerges at choir practice this week, when Ian and Jean end up having an emotional heart-to-heart.
Ian landed himself a spot with the Walford Warblers in the desperate hope it would bring him closer to his exwife Mel – and has continued to attend rehearsals, despite the fact that the object of his affections isn’t a member!
So, as he and Jean sit next to one another at the practice session, the pair begin to chat. And even with the loud distraction of wailing Karen Taylor – who’s bothering choir mistress Morag with her last-minute bid to join the choir – Jean lends Ian a kindly ear when the topic of his murdered daughter Lucy comes up.
Jean is embroiled in family troubles of her own right now, thanks to Kat, Alfie and Hayley (see p4) – but she’s quick to offer Ian sympathy. Her kindness is warmly received too, as Ian is keenly aware of tragic Lucy’s absence while the festive season ramps up. Meanwhile, the Square businessman is also being forced to come to terms with the harsh reality that a relationship with Mel is never going to happen – so is at a particularly low ebb.
Consequently, Jean’s affection comes at just the right time, and Ian is quick to show his appreciation as he reaches out to touch stunned Jean’s hand. But will Jean be as taken aback as we are that Ian is capable of such gratitude – and might this unexpected closeness between the Walford locals somehow develop into something a lot more romantic?