EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt reveals surprising career change as he swaps acting for pot washing
EASTENDERS star Adam Woodyatt has revealed his surprising career change after waving goodbye to his acting career.
The former soap icon – who played Ian Beale in the BBC One programme from 1985 to 2021 – has been working in a cafe.
Ian, 53, who filmed his final scenes for EastEnders back in 2020 – had been working on stage shows since waving goodbye to the soap.
But now, he has been thinking about a surprising career change after a pal offered to have him work in his local cafe.
“My friend Daniel Clifford has previously offered me a bit of time working in his kitchen at Midsummer House restaurant in Cambridge,” Adam told the Daily Star.
“I might go and do that for a couple of weeks. Knowing Daniel, he will have me doing the washing up!”
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It comes after it was revealed that Adam had been making money by asking fans to fork out £40 to be “roasted” or subject to a “pep talk”.
He tapped into another cash stream with a Memmo Me profile – seeing fans submit video requests to Adam.
On the video sharing site, his profile has an impressive five stars from adoring fans eager for his insight or well-wishes.
Alongside a sample of his recorded work, Adam’s profile reads: “Actor, best known for his role as Ian Beale in EastEnders.
“Order a video message from Adam today for any occasion birthdays, pep talks, roasts, well wishes, anniversaries or just a hello.”
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His fresh income stream comes after The Sun was first to reveal he is in talks to return to his iconic BBC role – for a £300,000 pay-packet.
The actor is being lured with a deal reputed to be up to £300,000 but a portion will go to his estranged wife.
Adam announced his split from Bev Sharpe, 56, in 2020 after 22 years and is still trying to strike a divorce settlement – and she will take some of his new wage if a deal is agreed.
He is wanted back in Walford as Danny Dyer, 44, who plays Mick Carter, is leaving later this year.
Adam has been away for a year, in which he has appeared on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity and is now touring in stage play Looking Good Dead.
A source said: “Adam was one of the highest earners in EastEnders and there’s no doubt he’d be looking to come back on at least the same amount of money, if not more. They’re hugely keen to get him back after the massive blow of losing Danny. The belief is that if he signs it now it will mean he has to give Bev more in their divorce settlement.
“But clearly the bosses at EastEnders need to know what’s happening.”
We revealed last week Adam has been entertaining BBC beautician Clare Martignetti in his mobile home at Dartford, Kent.
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The BBC said: “Any contract talks are pure speculation.”
Slipping into the skin of the EastEnders chef in 1985, Adam was one of the longest-standing characters in the programme.