Meal deals are a symbol of British mediocrity; you get a drink, a sandwich and a snack for £3.25 or so. You never really look forward to a meal deal but it just about fills a hole, even though the sandwiches are generally half-filled. You could make the same meal for much cheaper if you had the forethought/energy to do so but its 1pm, you are at work/school, you don't have much time and you don't want to push any boundaries. Ian Beale is also a symbol of British mediocrity, so I guess the two are natural friends.