The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Ian and Phil united by grief over dead Lucy
EastEnders truce after character’s daughter killed
Atruce is declared in one of EastEnders’ longest-running feuds when a distraught Ian Beale sobs in thearmsof PhilMitchell after the murder of his daughter Lucy.
Adam Woodyatt, a veteran of the BBC soap since its earliest days, said the shocking plotline would bring a “newdimension” to the pair’s relationship.
The actor, who plays Ian, said: “I don’t think they’re going to be bosom buddies but there’s a bit of understanding there.”
Viewers will see Lucy’s (Hetti Bywater) body discovered tomorrow and Ian and his family struggle to come to terms with her violent death next week. The show’s executive producer, DominicTreadwell-Collins, said: “Grief changes people and changes people’s relationships. One of the most powerful things is how it’s going to change Ian and Phil’s relationship because Ian and Phil are the biggest enemies in the world and Phil Mitchell hugs Ian Beale, a crying Ian Beale, and starts to cry himself.”
Laurie Brett, who plays Ian’s ex-wife Jane, said she listened to the scene with co-star Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon.
She said: “We were crying and we couldn’t even see it – that was just hearing it – and that’s all I can say about that scene.”
Treadwell- Collins said the murder was “a massive story . . . but it’s not our only story”.
He said:“We are not closing for the summer. We have a huge story coming for the Carters, Shirley, Phil and Sharon, massive stuff for Carol and David, for most of the cast. Rudolph Walker as well, Patrick Trueman, is getting a very big story as well.
“Every single family in EastEnders is going to have their chance to shine but over the next few days you’re going to see the Beales shine properly.”
He said a recent scene where Lucy cut her head and left blood on the floor of the cabin on the car lot was a “little red herring”.