EASTENDERS fans are convinced Ian Beale attacked himself in an attempt to get sympathy in Walford.
The businessman – who is played by actor Adam Woodyatt in the BBC soap – was seemingly attacked and left for dead earlier this month.
However with eight official suspects all behaving suspiciously, fans have a new theory.
It was recently revealed that Ian had been terrorising himself in an effort to get sympathy from his family who turned their backs on him.
He had set off fireworks in the Vic to frame someone else for terrorising him, but it was discovered and everyone was disgusted in him.
And now fans are convinced it is proof he attacked himself.
One wrote: “Does anyone else think Ian’s behaviour could suggest he is responsible for his own attack?
“Don’t know if that makes any sense but obviously he set off the fireworks and maybe even the brick that got sent through the Vic window.
“Maybe he ordered someone to attack him for sympathy or something, but perhaps the person went too far?
“It would explain why Ian then leaves for a temporary break. Everyone hates him after realising he was involved in his own attack.”
A second said: “We know he set off the fireworks, but I also think he left the envelope with the bullet for himself and paid someone to throw a brick through the window.”
Another added: “Well, it did look initially that someone was playing games with him but now, as you suggest, he might just be playing with himself.”
All will be revealed on Christmas Day’s episode on EastEnders.