EastEnders has confirmed that Cindy Beale will make a shocking return to Walford next month – and she doesn’t get a very warm welcome.

It’s been a while since the soap icon has been seen in Albert Square, and fans began to wonder whether she would ever return. However, she will soon be back to cause more trouble for her loved ones.

Back in February, Cindy finally found out that it was Kathy who attacked her on Christmas Day, in the conclusion of a long whodunnit storyline.

A series of dramatic events followed, and as Ian begged Cindy not to go to the police, she pushed him in front of Reiss’ speeding car. He swerved and crashed into The Vic, causing the tragic explosion which killed Martin.

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In the aftermath, Cindy accepted Ian’s terms, agreeing to keep quiet about Kathy’s attack if he protected her secrets in return.

She left the Square to stay with her friend Gita for a while, though she suggested to former lover Junior that she’d be back for revenge.

That was the last viewers saw of Cindy, and in recent weeks her son Peter discovered that she had gone AWOL and Gita doesn’t know where she is.

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But next month, her whereabouts will be revealed, when she gatecrashes Lauren and Peter’s engagement party at Harry’s Barn.

Peter popped the question to Lauren (and vice versa) earlier this month, and it isn’t known whether Cindy is even aware of her son’s big news.

The Beales and the Knights are shocked by Cindy’s surprise return, and new pictures show the likes of Ian, Elaine, George, Lauren and Peter looking less than pleased.

But Cindy uses her time in the spotlight wisely and takes the opportunity to announce her permanent return to Walford, making it clear to the group that she won’t be going anywhere.

Why has Cindy chosen to come back to Albert Square now, and is Kathy’s secret in danger of getting out?