There’s controversy on the cards in EastEnders next week as Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) stages her return to the BBC soap – and yes, she’s set to cause chaos.
It’s clear she has learnt not a single lesson in her time away and is soon rubbing folk up the wrong way.
But she is in for a shock herself when she comes across Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) in labour.
Elsehwere, Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) is in for an unwelcome shock, while the community rally together to welcome back the Queen Vic.
Monday May 5
It’s the day of Lauren and Peter’s engagement party, but Lauren worries in their last midwife check-up when potential complications are discussed, and fumes when distracted Peter exits to take a call.
Kathy moves the engagement party to Harry’s Barn following a fault with The Albert, and Gina enlists Mo, Jean and Nigel to help but it’s clear they are not up to the job.
At the party, Lauren continues to worry and takes solace in the office following an ill-judged remark from Ian. Kathy comes to the rescue and Lauren rejoins the party, but her happiness is short-lived when Cindy arrives…
A hungover Harry wakes at the Arches. Billy finds Harry and takes him to Walford East, but things soon turn sour when Teddy arrives. Later in the café, Billy attempts to reconcile with his nephew.
At No.43, Vicki and Ross attempt to job hunt, but Ross is distracted by Joel’s obsession with his phone.
Vicki attempts to defuse the situation, but Ross makes it clear he doesn’t need help parenting and she leaves. Later, the pair reconcile.
Elsewhere, Vicki attempts to convince Zack to keep out of the Mitchells’ drama, but he ignores her advice and issues Nicola with a threat…
Tuesday May 6
At Harry’s Barn, the partygoers reel at Cindy’s return. Peter attempts to defuse the situation but Lauren leaves and issues him an ultimatum – it’s her or Cindy. The Beales and Knights shun Cindy once again, but she retaliates by revealing all about Kathy.
Later, she heads to No.29A to face Lauren, but she is shocked when she arrives to find Lauren in labour…
Elsewhere, Nicola accosts Gina in the Square as she attempts to find Harry. Later, Gina and Jay meet for a drink, but the pair are soon distracted when a drunk Harry arrives.
Jay sounds the alarm with Nicola and Teddy who arrive to resolve the situation, but Gina is convinced there is more to the situation. Later in the café, Gina’s suspicions are raised further when she attempts to press Harry but he remains tight-lipped…
Wednesday May 7
Cindy takes matters into her own hands to get Lauren to hospital when their ambulance is delayed whilst Chelsea informs Peter.
At Harry’s Barn, everyone waits for news on Lauren’s baby. Warmed by the community spirit, Linda and George announce that The Vic is reopening tomorrow for V.E Day, but their news falls flat with the majority, including Mo and Zack who can’t face it so soon after Martin’s death.
Later, Alfie tries to buoy Linda as she grows concerned for Elaine following the Square’s reaction.
Ross reveals the truth to Vicki regarding their debt, and the real reason they had to leave Australia…
Shocked by what she learns, Vicki leaves.
Thursday May 8
It’s the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day, and Nigel is excited to celebrate the historic anniversary, but it soon becomes apparent that Nigel believes it’s 1995.
At No.55, Jean and Phil prepare to talk to Nigel, but Jean bottles it and enlists Phil’s help to organise a last-minute party. Jean convinces Mo to celebrate, but Linda remains firm that The Vic is closed.
Linda soon relents when she spies the market traders abuzz with V.E. Day spirit, and the residents of Walford congregate to celebrate those previously fallen – including their very own, Martin – as The Vic reopens its doors once again.
At No.31, Kathy seeks solace with Harvey, but the pair are interrupted by Jean. Kathy covers, but Jean is too preoccupied with worry for Nigel to notice.
Later, Harvey invites Kathy on a caravan holiday, but their plans are later scuppered when Jean finds the brochure and the Slaters assume the plans are for them.
