Ian Beale's much-mooted return to EastEnders has been previewed in more photos released by the BBC soap.

The snaps show businessman Beale's shocking transformation into a tramp, which fans previously got a peek at last month.

The four-times-married Albert Square stalwart has been away from the Square for several weeks, and it transpires he has been sleeping rough following a number of strain, including his marriage breaking down and financial woes.

The photos capture the moment Ian returns to Walford and comes face-to-face with Lauren Branning, doing voluntary work with homeless people.

ian beale

As his daughter's friend Lauren looks shocked at who she's spotted, Ian puts his head down in an attempt to avoid his former neighbour.

ian beale

EastEnders will air Ian Beale's return on Thursday 31 July at 7.30pm on BBC One.

WATCH: Top 20 Greatest Soap Moments Of The Last 20 Years

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  • 20. Coronation Street 1997: Sally slaps Natalie for revenge on her affair

  • 19. Brookside 1994: Beth and Margaret's lesbian kiss

  • 18. EastEnders 1998: Tiffany is run over and killed

  • 17. Coronation Street 1996: Raquel leaves the Street

  • 16. Emmerdale 2011: Aaron helps Jackson end his life

  • 12. EastEnders 2005: Den is murdered by Chrissie

  • 15. Coronation Street 2006: Mike Baldwin dies

  • 14. EastEnders 2009: Sonia gives birth not knowing she's pregnant

  • 13. Emmerdale 2003: Chris poisons himself and then proceeds to frame Charity

  • 11. Hollyoaks 2008: Niall's explosive revenge on the McQueen family

  • 10. EastEnders 2007: Stacy and Max's affair is revealed

  • 9. Emmerdale 1997: Kim lets Frank die

  • 8. Coronation Street 2003: Tricky Dickie drives the Platts into the canal

  • 7. EastEnders 2009: Danielle dies in Ronnie's arms

  • 6. Brookside 1995: The body under the patio is dug

  • 5. Emmerdale 1993: The plane crash

  • 4. Coronation Street 1998: Deirdre is sent down

  • 3. EastEnders 2001: Kat tells Zoe she's her mum

  • 2. Coronation Street 2010: The tram crash

  • 1. EastEnders 1994: Sharongate