An Albert Square local is arrested for attacking Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins)
in EastEnders next week as new evidence comes to light. At Christmas, Cindy’s affair with former step-son Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) was exposed for all to hear in the Queen Vic. In the aftermath, she disowned her entire family before deciding to jet out of the area for pastures new. Whilst waiting for her taxi, she was struck over the head with a shovel and left for dead. Having been placed in a medically induced coma, the finger is now being pointed left, right and centre. The big reveal is expected to take place during during the BBC soap’s upcoming 40th anniversary next month – but it could be sooner that we find out the truth! In upcoming scenes, Elaine, Anna and Gina Knight (Harriet Thorpe, Molly Rainford and Francesca Henry) make a huge discovery that they later decide to conceal. Peter Beale (Thomas Law) catches them in the act, and they’re forced to come clean. What have they found?
Cindy is awoken from her coma and demands to know how she’s found herself in such a state. After all, the last she remembered, she was taking a festive stroll through the Square Gardens! Son Peter is keeping vigil at her bedside and deflects her questions, whilst Anna heads home to spread the word that she is awake. How will one resident react to the news? DCI Arthurs (Ian Burfield) heads straight to the hospital to question Cindy, in the hope that she can remember some crucial information. She’s shocked when he explains that her attacker was likely somebody she knew. She’s shocked to see Lauren arrive to visit her with Peter, and puts on a hostile front. Later, the police turn up at the pub and arrest Lauren for attempted murder! Does Cindy really think she’s responsible, or is she looking for an easy scapegoat?
Peter is furious to learn that his mum’s statement was the reason that Lauren was arrested, and demands that she retract it. His jaw then hits the floor when Lauren confides in him about what really happened at Christmas. The revelation is enough to drive an even bigger wedge between her and Peter, who shuts her off and heads straight back to the hospital to support Cindy as she is discharged. There’s one huge issue – Ian (Adam Woodyatt) is reluctant to have her back at the family home, and the Knights certainly wouldn’t have her living under their roof, so Peter is forced to think up a bigger plan.
This could be quite the combination! Her return stirs trouble amongst the locals, especially Ian, whilst she struggles to adapt to her new environment with Reiss. George (Colin Salmon) is tense when Anna voices her concerns about sister Gina’s behaviour, whilst Peter tries to juggle his care for both Cindy and Lauren. Who really was responsible?
