What will Ian Beale say?

He was recently part of soap-land's biggest storyline. 

But, according to reports, EastEnders actor Ben Hardy is about to swap the confines of Albert Square for the bright lights of Hollywood in a potentially career-transforming move.

A report by TheWrap claims the handsome TV star is in advanced talks to be cast as a significant character in upcoming action movie X Men: Apocalypse. 

The 24-year-old, who is best known for his portrayal of Peter Beale in the long-running BBC soap, will allegedly assume an as-yet undisclosed role in the forthcoming production.  

If formally added to the project, he will join an impressive cast-list which includes James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence. 

The film, directed by Brian Singer, will also feature emerging talents such as Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan and Alexandra Shipp. 

Although Hardy's agents are yet to respond to enquiries by MailOnline, fans of the drama are already aware that the movie upgrade could certainly be a possibility after Hardy's BBC character recently revealed he was moving to New Zealand.

 'I'm going away for a while to stay with Steven in New Zealand,' he explained in a recent scene

For the past twelve months he's been a suspect in the unexpected death of his on-screen sister Lucy, who was killed off in a dramatic plot twist, last year.

As part of a thirtieth anniversary live show, the murderer was revealed as her half-brother, Bobbie Beale - played by 12 year-old actor Eliot Carrington. 

Taking to Twitter to congratulate the boy, he said: 'So the secret is finally out....phew...weight off... Elliot who plays Bobby was superb. Going live at 12 years old and smashed it!'.

The week of the big reveal garnered more than 11 million viewers.