EastEnders character Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) will reportedly claim that his ex-wife is dead, in a bid to win the heart of a Walford newcomer.
The businessman, who has been married four times, divorced his most recent wife Jane after she had a brief affair.
Jane obtained the cafe in their divorce, and then left the Square after removing her wedding ring.
Actress Laurie Brett, who plays Jane on the show, gave birth to a baby girl last month and is on maternity leave.
The Daily Star reports that new character Cheryl (Heather Craney) will be the first woman that Ian deceives with his lie about Jane.
A source told the newspaper: "Ian will do anything. He's pathetic. But his lie will catch up with him."
Woodyatt previously said that Ian would need to "start rebuilding his life on his own" after Jane's departure.
