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Who is 'I'm A Celebrity' late arrival Adam Woodyatt?

The actor is joining the show. (ITV/Shutterstock)
The actor has joined 'I'm A Celeb'. (ITV/Shutterstock)

I'm A Celebrity has welcomed two newcomers to the castle to complete the 2021 line-up - Adam Woodyatt and Simon Gregson.

But who is Adam Woodyatt and what is he best known for?

Read more: First look at Adam Woodyatt and Simon Gregson's I'm A Celeb trial

Over the coming days, the campmates will be getting to know actor Woodyatt a little better, who viewers will recognise as EastEnders character Ian Beale.

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Pictured: Adam Woodyatt.

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The actor is a late arrival to the castle. (ITV)

The 53-year-old has played the role for more than three decades and is the BBC One soap's longest-serving cast member, but is currently on an extended break from Walford.

Speaking about why he'd chosen to enter the castle, the soap star said: “I don’t mind if I am first or last in the castle – I am just really looking forward to being on the show.

“Why have I finally said yes? Because I am not in EastEnders! That is the honest answer. I am not in contract with the BBC so I can come and do it. Everyone thinks I am Ian Beale and so it’s going to be great to show I am not.”

Non-EastEnders' fan gets giant tattoo of Ian Beale's 'ugly crying face'
Woodyatt is known for playing Ian Beale. (BBC)

Ian's most famous storylines have included being married six times to five women, becoming homeless, and his young son Bobby Beale being responsible for a whodunnit shooting.

The actor split from wife Beverley, who he has two children with, in 2019 after more than 20 years of marriage.

Read more: Meet the I'm A Celeb 2021 campmates

Since taking a break from EastEnders, he has spent time travelling the UK in his motorhome and even put in a few shifts on his friend's burger stall, surprising customers.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06:  Adam Woodyatt attends the Inside Soap Awards at The Hippodrome on November 6, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Woodyatt is currently taking a break from soap. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Talking about his hopes for life after I'm A Celebrity, Woodyatt said: "I might take the summer off and go and work at my mate’s restaurant when he does the pop up stalls at food festivals. I did it a couple of times this summer and I enjoyed it.

"But I am just now really looking forward to doing I’m A Celebrity. Programmes like this were a blessed relief during the lockdowns last year and I can’t wait to go in.”

Watch: Adam Woodyatt and Simon Gregson tackle latest I'm A Celeb trial