Love was in the air on tonight’s EastEnders as the residents of Albert Square prepared for Vicki Fowler and Ross Marshall’s wedding. But for Ian Beale and Elaine Peacock tonight brought a surprising development in their relationship.

Ian and Elaine had been at odds in the run-up to the local elections but after Ian’s victory, and the end of his relationship with Bea Pollard, things thawed between the pair.

On the night of the election results, the pair even shared a kiss after Ian apologised for his actions during the campaign.

Tonight, Ian enjoyed a drink with Ross and Harry outside The Vic while dispensing some marriage advice, having tied the knot himself six times in the past.

Meanwhile, Elaine was hanging out with Vicki and the rest of the bridal party when Kat asked her if she’d ever get married again.

Elaine said she wouldn’t get married again but she was “always on the market for love and a nice bit of ‘hows your father’ wouldn’t go amiss”.

Later, in The Vic, Elaine and Ian both approached Tracey at the bar and ordered at the same time. After Elaine protested that she was first, Ian allowed her to order ahead of him.

Ian then went over to Elaine and apologised saying: “Old habits die hard,” and asked her if they could start over with each other.

When Ian then re-introduced himself to Elaine he kissed her hand, with Elaine remarking that she’d just been saying she wanted to be wooed.

Elaine then told him that she and the girls had just been talking about love and second and third chances, though she added she would not be getting married again.

When Ian told her to think of everything they’re missing out on by being single, Elaine said you don’t have to be married to enjoy that, adding it was “much simpler to have a friend with benefits”.

The pair then hurried off together just as Tracey had finished pouring their drinks.

Is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship with benefits for Ian and Elaine?