Stunned at Ian’s desire to explore surrogacy, Adam reminded Ian of his devastation when things went wrong with Madds.
Madds is – or was – Ian’s oldest friend. In 2006 he cut all ties with her after she called off plans for Ian to father a baby with her.
Their friendship began while Ian was training to be a chef in Belfast and they went on to share a flat together in London. In 2006, after being out of touch for a while, Madds visited Ian and Adam. She was their first house guest at Honeysuckle Cottage.
During her stay Madds poured out her troubles. She was single (recently split from Dermot), in her early thirties and eager to have a child. Just before The Archers’ theme music rang out at the end of the episode she said to Ian; “Dermot’s off the scene, but I still want a baby, more than ever. And I’d like you to be the father.”
Ian was thrilled but Adam was furious. Adam felt the decision to have a baby was for him and Ian alone. He was sure Ian would see it the same way once they had discussed it properly, but they only argued.
Meeting in secret
While in deadlock with Adam, Ian met up with Madds in secret. He was sure Adam would come round to the idea eventually - he just need more time. When Adam opened a letter from a fertility clinic he was angry that things had been progressing behind his back. But Ian fought back - Adam needed to get over his childish possessiveness. Only after Ian moved out for a short spell did Adam admit that he didn’t find the situation easy but was happy for Ian to father a child.
Madds had to go abroad for six weeks of work. Ian worried that Adam might change his mind in that time while Adam hoped Ian would change his! Nevertheless, Ian started his registration to become a sperm donor at a clinic in London and mulled over spare room redecoration ideas for Madds and the baby.
New found bliss
Back from her work abroad, Madds visited Ambridge again. Ian was bursting to tell her how the plans had been progressing but Madds beat him to it with her own news. While away she had fallen in love (something Adam had warned Ian about). He was called Oz, he was a camera operator, and she had never been happier.
Ian quickly realised this meant their plan to have a baby was no more. So wrapped up in her new found bliss, Madds didn’t realise how hurt Ian was and even suggested he would be the favourite uncle if she and Oz had a baby.
A few months later Adam found a torn up Christmas card. Ian admitted it was from Madds but their friendship was now in the past.
