Adam Woodyatt has landed a job as a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The 52-year-old EastEnders veteran, who has played cafe owner Ian Beale in the BBC soap since its launch in 1985, appears to have drawn inspiration from his character as he now works at Midsummer House in Cambridge, England.

On Instagram, he said of his place at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant: “Yesterday was like the first day of school. After talking about it for two years, I finally found time to spend a day working at @midsummer_house_ with @markabbottwa60 and @midsummerchef.

“The hours are long, but it has been great to be part of the service.

“Under constant observation, I arranged the amuse-bouche with the Carlingford oysters on my plates.

“Today I think I’ve got the hang of the very tricky macaron.”

Adam – a well-known foodie – had previously been seen serving customers at a food stall in Wimbledon, London.

He got his new job after it was revealed in February that the tax authorities were chasing him over a large bill after he dissolved his management company.

HMRC told the actor’s accountants that he owed £139,000 in corporation tax following the dissolution of XL Management, which Adam ran with his ex-wife Beverley Sharp.

The company was founded as a talent agency to recruit other actors, but Adam was the only client.

Adam shocked soap fans when he returned to EastEnders last year. His storyline sees Ian move back to Albert Square with his wife Cindy (played by Michelle Collins), who was previously thought to be dead.