Laura Beale
Laura Ellen Beale (also Dunn) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Hannah Waterman. It was announced Waterman would be joining EastEnders as Laura Dunn, a nanny hired by Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) to care for his children. This is Waterman's second role in the soap, having appeared in 1997 as an HIV patient. On 25 February 2004, the Daily Mirror announced Waterman was to leave EastEnders and her character killed off during a fight with Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). Laura's departure was listed as one of EastEnders' best exits by Virgin Media.
Storylines
Laura is employed by local businessman Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) as a nanny for his children, Peter (Joseph Shade), Lucy (Casey Anne Rothery) and Steven Beale (Edward Savage). She becomes attracted to Ian but her attempts to get closer to him are unnoticed. Laura is protective of Ian and eventually Ian starts to see her as loyal and faithful but uses her for sex. Eventually, Laura demands more commitment but he refuses so Laura calls off their arrangement and kisses Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves). Ian is furious when he finds out, leading to Laura's resignation but before she leaves, Ian is declared bankrupt so Laura agrees to stay and help him look after the children and they become a couple. Laura tries to raise money to buy the fish and chip shop so they can run it together, secretly borrowing money from his former wife, Melanie Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite). Ian proposed marriage to Laura but her wealthy father is opposed to their relationship because of Ian's bankruptcy. They get married but Laura discovers that Ian knows about an inheritance she received and wonders if Ian only wants her money, though Ian convinces her this is not true.
