Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt)

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From Todays Sunday Mirror

TROUBLED EastEnders was plunged into more turmoil last night after veteran Adam Woodyatt said he's quitting the show.

The 37-year-old actor, who plays weasel-like Ian Beale, has told bosses he's fed up being "Walford's favourite whipping boy" and will NOT be renewing his £310,000-a-year contract.

The move comes just weeks after Woodyatt's close pal, Wendy Richard, announced she was quitting her role as battle-axe Pauline Fowler after 21 years.

Bosses are desperately trying to talk Woodyatt - who, along with June Brown as Dot Cotton, is the only original cast member left - to stay. But he's made it clear he wants out of the ailing BBC1 soap.

An insider said: "Adam is totally fed-up and told bosses he's y*"v I leaving the show.

"Bosses are keeping it top secret as they're desperately trying to talk him around, but he has made his mind up.


"Adam has always been very close to Wendy Richard, who plays his aunt on the show. Her decision to go has spurred him on.


"As far as he's concerned, he's not happy and doesn't want to be the last original character left."


The Sunday Mirror revealed how Woodyatt threatened to quit three months ago as he was tired of his character being singled out for "special treatment" by the Mitchell brothers.


Over the years, hardman Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has doused chip frier Ian with ketchup - and once beat him up and shoved his head down the toilet.


In July 2000, Ian was left a whimpering wreck as Phil grasped him by the throat.


Despite voicing concerns to bosses, he's furious his character continues to be Walford's "whipping boy".


An insider added "Adam took his screen fate on the chin to begin with, but he's had enough now. After 21 years on the show he is tired of being the laughing stock of Walford and feels he deserves more respect."


Woodyatt, who appeared in the very first episode of the show on February 19, 1985, hinted last year that he was ready to walk.


He said: "It has crossed my mind, probably more now than at any other time. Is it time to move on and do something else?


"I've seen what my mate Todd Carty (who played his cousin Mark Fowler) has done in The Bill and it does make you wonder."


He added: "I think we're reaching saturation point with the situation between Ian and Phil Mitchell.


"Where else can we go with it? At some point something has to neutralise it."


His decision has plunged the show into further crisis. Last month, the flagship soap attracted just 3.9million viewers - the lowest in its 21-year history.


In its heyday, on Christmas Day 1986, 30.15million viewers tuned in to see "Dirty" Den Watts hand over divorce papers to wife Angie.