EastEnders actor jokes that killing Ian Beale would be a 'public service'

*Warning* Contains spoilers from the latest episode of EastEnders

An EastEnders star has joked that killing off long-time character Ian Beale would be a "public service".

Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning on the popular soap, was recently seen attempting to murder Ian by strangling him with some Christmas lights.

Realising his life was in danger, Ian told Max - then armed with a kitchen knife - that Phil was the one responsible for Max going to prison.

Ian managed to hit Max on the head with a griddle before trying to run away, but was dragged back into the house.

The scene shocked viewers, who have to wait until 8pm this evening (Friday 22 December) to find out whether Ian survived.

"Who doesn't like trying to kill Ian Beale?" Wood joked to RadioTimes. "I felt like I was doing a public service."

Beale, portrayed by Adam Woodyatt, is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously on EastEnders since the first episode aired on 19 February 1985.

Ian has had a tumultuous life, surviving five marriages to four different women, two aborted engagements, three children, several kidnappings, homelessness, failed business attempts, a secret vasectomy and several attempts to murder him.

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