21 August 2023 , 23:01
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EastEnders is set for explosive scenes next week when Cindy Beale comes face-to-face with her secret daughters as her past is exposed amid her return to Albert Square after 25 years. Soap watchers will recall that Walford's residents believe Cindy is dead after she was killed off on the soap off-screen in 1998. However, Cindy actually went into witness protection, where she met George Knight and had children Anna and Gina.
In upcoming scenes, Cindy meets Peter, who takes a call from Ian with the latter demanding he get his mum back to France. However, when his back is turned, Cindy heads to Albert Square in search of Kathy. Desperate to not be seen, Cindy has to avoid those who knew her from many years ago.
Later, with no luck in the café, Cindy heads to No.45 to face the music and it’s not long before all hell breaks loose between the women. However, things go from bad to worse when Ian arrives desperate to get Cindy away, but she is stopped in her tracks by George, who has just exited The Vic.
EastEnders is set for explosive scenes next week when Cindy Beale comes face-to-face with her secret daughters (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/Matt Burlem)Elsewhere, it's Anna's 21st birthday and Gina, George and Elaine rally around her to make it one to remember. Gina takes Anna to get glam and keep her away from The Vic where Elaine, Linda and George busily work to transform it into a Spanish fiesta. George is emotionally overwhelmed by the day, and later opens up to Elaine about how sad and disappointed he is that Rose is missing yet another milestone in their daughters' lives.
Elaine attempts to reassure George before Anna and Gina arrive to a burst of surprises but with the emotions of the day taking over, George goes outside for some air… could he risk bumping into Cindy? The drama is far from over for Kathy, who is rushed off her feet catering for Anna’s party and sends Rocky and Bobby off to the chippy to prep. After a shock visit from Cindy, Kathy is stunned to learn that Peter is also back in Walford.
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Later, Peter and Kathy have a heart-to-heart and George is stunned to see Cindy, but he soon hardens to learn she had no knowledge that he or the girls were in Albert Square and that she didn't return for them. Cindy questions George on their daughters' whereabouts but he lies and insists they are both in Spain.
Wanting to protect Gina and Anna, George takes Cindy to the barrel store and demands answers. Later, Linda interrupts their clandestine chat and implores George for his selfishness considering all the hard work Elaine has put in for Anna’s party. Realising her daughters are inches away, Cindy rushes into the bar and comes face-to-face with Anna and Gina as well as Walford's residents while Ian seeks solace in the laundrette.
Elsewhere, Peter heads to his dad’s side and soon realises the real reason his dad didn’t want Cindy to return to Albert Square. Despite his father's feelings, Peter heads to The Vic to celebrate Anna’s birthday but it’s not long before Ian arrives looking for Cindy and he soon awkwardly bumps into Sharon and Phil, who are shocked to see him.
Cindy returns to Albert Square after 25 years (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Things go from bad to worse when the fallout of Cindy and Ian’s return sends shockwaves through Walford. Later, Cindy desperately tries to explain herself to estranged daughters Gina and Anna. However, the girls aren't happy as they confront their mum before heading to Peggy’s to drown their sorrows but things quickly get out of hand.
Protective father, George, fears the worst and tries to track down the girls with Cindy before George’s worst fears come true. Over at The Vic, Ian tries to avoid Sharon and Phil but it’s not long before Phil makes it clear he wants Ian gone while Sharon plucks up the courage to talk to Ian.
Later, Ian heads to No.45 to reunite with Kathy who is reeling from Cindy’s arrival but she’s stunned again when Ian reveals Cindy’s connection to the Knights. There's more drama to come when Bobby frets to Ian that Cindy and Anna will hate him for Lucy’s death and rushes home to No.45.
Later, Bobby heads to Peggy’s to check Anna is okay and Bobby tries to make amends with Anna but she explains that it is better they both stay friends given the circumstances. George orders Cindy to leave along with the Beales and later, alone for the first time, George breaks down as he’s overwhelmed.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .