BEALE-Y FUNNY EastEnders fans thrilled as another soap crossover airs in hilarious Ian Beale scene EastEnders fans thrilled as another soap crossover airs in hilarious Ian Beale scene
EASTENDERS fans were left elated at a “brilliant” soap crossover involving Ian Beale.
Viewers of the BBC One programme didn’t let the reference to another hit series pass them by as Tuesday’s election-themed episode played out.
It saw Ian, played by Adam Woodyatt, leading a hustings for his election campaign.
He looked smart as he stood on a stage, adorned with a pin badge emblazoned with the words “vote the real Beale”.
Yet when it came to giving an engaging speech, the EastEnders character appeared to lean heavily on the Neighbours theme tune.
As he addressed the Walford crowds he said: “I guess what I am trying to say to you is we are all friends and neighbours.
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“And let’s face it, we all need good neighbours”.
Lauren Branning, who was in the crowd, immediately picked up on the reference and said: “He’s not, is he?”
Yet Ian continued with the lyrics and said: “And with a little understanding you can find the perfect …” before Alfie Moon, who was on the stage alongside him, added: “Blend”.
Those watching at home were excited by the new soap crossover.
One wrote on Reddit: “Did Ian just recite part of the old Neighbours theme??”
Another then replied: “Yes he did”.
A third then mused: “Unfortunately this means that Neighbours and Eastenders therefore can’t exist in the same cinematic universe”.
One then gushed: “Oh my god what a tribute to Neighbours hahahah that was brilliant”.
It isn’t the first time EastEnders has paid tribute to the Aussie soap on-screen.
It came back in 2015, when Ramsay Street celebrated its 30th anniversary.
It featured a cameo from Jason Donovan, and scenes saw a host of Walford residents drinking and smoking outside as the Neighbours theme tune played out in the background.
Back in 2020, when both soaps celebrated their respective 35 year anniversaries, Neighbours re-paid the favour.
The soap’s Waterhole bar advertised a list of Walford themed cocktails for its happy hour, which happened to be the exact time EastEnders airs: 7.30pm – 8pm.
And just last year, it was Ian Beale’s cousin Vicki who gave a nod to the soap Down Under.
It came as she approached her cousin Ian for a handout.
Character Priya Nandra-Hart took umbridge to the request and threatened Vicki with a one-liner that was a clear nod to the Neighbours theme tune.
“And by the way, I live next door,” Priya explained to Vicki before she flounced out.
“What’s it they say in Australia? Everybody needs good neighbours.”
Soap fans were thrilled to spot the reference and flocked to social media to share their joy.
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“Soap Inception of the highest calibre” said one fan.
A second added: “The Neighbours reference on EastEnders! Nothing short of ICONIC!”