Fans are speculating that EastEnders could be set for the return of soap legend Cindy Beale.
Cindy, portrayed by Michelle Collins, has been a recurring character in the soap since her debut in 1988. Known as Walford’s femme fatale, she was involved in numerous major storylines.
However, in 1998, Cindy left Walford and was reportedly killed off-screen. But in a shocking twist, she made a dramatic return to the show after 25 years in 2023.
It transpired that Cindy hadn’t died but had been placed into witness protection and given a new identity, Rose Sawyer. The iconic character eventually returned to Walford to reunite with her husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
But it wasn’t long before she was stirring up trouble again last year. Not only did she get her daughter-in-law Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) addicted to drugs, but she also embarked on a steamy affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), the son of her ex-husband George (Colin Salmon), reports Plymouth Live.
The truth about their affair was dramatically revealed on Christmas Day in the Queen Vic, when a recording of Cindy’s confession was played out loud.
With Cindy now public enemy number one, it wasn’t long before someone sought revenge. Cindy was attacked with a shovel and left for dead. It was later revealed that Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) was the one who attacked Cindy.
Cindy bowed out from Walford in February, yet tantalising spoilers reveal her unexpected return next week at her son Peter Beale (played by Thomas Law) and Lauren’s engagement celebration.
However, speculation is rife among the fanbase that Cindy has been plotting with another ex-Walford inhabitant who may also be reappearing alongside her.
On an EastEnders Facebook fan group, there’s talk that Cindy’s daughter, Cindy Jr, might be set for a comeback. One member speculated: “I have a feeling Cindy junior could return with Cindy or maybe after, and that’s who she’s been with all this time.”
Another added their voice to the discussion: “It would be a good way to introduce Cindy Jr. back into the show, a character who is much needed given Cindy’s return.” A third echoed this sentiment: “Yes definitely, I never understood why she didn’t come back.”
Mimi Keene took on the role of the rebellious teen Cindy Jr for a two-year span. In her brief time on the show, she was embroiled in the memorable ‘Who killed Lucy Beale?’ saga and escaped Walford while pregnant, later giving birth to her daughter Beth.
Cindy Jr last left the Square in August 2015 for a new chapter in Germany, joining Liam Butcher (portrayed by James Forde) and his father Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen).
