EASTENDERS icon Cindy Beale is set to make an explosive return to the BBC soap this week as she comes face to face with her secret family.

Cindy Beale quit Walford 25 years ago but is set to return after it was confirmed she left the Beales behind to start a family with George Knight.

Cindy will come face to face with her secret family as she returns to Walford as part of a four-episode special this week.

Amid the chaos of her return, Ian Beale will clash with his son as the soap legend's true intentions are revealed.

EastEnders returns tonight at 19:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Read our EastEnders spoilers blog below for the latest news and gossip…

  • By Louis Allwood

    Who is Michelle Collins?

    Michelle was born May 28, 1962 in east London.

    Her mother, Mary, was from Wales whilst her father had English and Flemish heritage.

    Michelle and her older sister Vicki were raised in Highbury, London by their mother.

    When she was 14, Michelle's mother returned to university to pursue a law degree.

    During the 1970s, Michelle was a member of the organisation Woodcraft Folk and visited Romania with the group.

    Michelle trained at the Royal Court Activists and Cockpit Youth Royal Theatre when she was 14.

    She attended Kingsway Princeton College where studied drama and theatre at O-Level and A-Level.

  • By Louis Allwood

    Who is Cindy Williams Jr. in EastEnders?

    Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) makes her epic return to Walford this week, alongside ex husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and son Peter Beale (Thomas Law).

    Cindy will finally come face to face with her ex husband George Knight (Colin Salmon) who she married when she was in witness protection under another name, Rose.

    She will also be reunited with her daughters Anna (Mollie Rainford) and Gina (Francesca Henry).

    However, Cindy has another daughter some viewers may have forgotten about, Cindy Junior.

    After it was believed that Cindy died in labour, her newborn daughter Cindy Jr was raised by her aunt and grandmother.

    Cindy Jr was last seen on screen in 2015 when Mimi Keene departed the soap and hasn't been mentioned since until tonight's episode.

    Cindy asked Kathy if she has had any contact from Cindy Jr and she explained that she sent Christmas cards to Cindy Jr. but she knows from Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) that she is living happily in Germany.

    So, Cindy Jr. has no idea that her namesake mother is alive.

    Cindy Williams Jr. is the daughter of Cindy Beale and Nick Holland (Dominic Taylor).

  • By Louis Allwood

    How to get your daily fix of soap spoilers

    Keep up to date with Britain’s favourite soap dramas right here on thesun.co.uk.

    • Emmerdale
    • EastEnders
    • Hollyoaks
    • Coronation Street
    • By Louis Allwood

      George Knight breaks down as ex-wife Cindy Beale returns

      Years have gone by since George Knight last saw his wife Rose before she walked out on him and their family.

      Next week, the EastEnders hunk is shocked to see her in Walford… under a completely different name.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      BEALE WITH IT

      George Knight breaks down as ex-wife Cindy Beale returns in EastEnders

    • By Louis Allwood

      Fans thrilled by Cindy's comeback

      There has been a mixed reaction from viewers to Cindy coming back from the dead.

      Fans took to Twitter to share their opinions on the biggest comeback EVER in soapland.

      Many were thrilled to see Cindy returning to the soap, with one writing: “Welcome back Cindy Beale. Class.”

      As another penned: “I am over the moon to see Cindy back. One of my first memorable characters of #EastEnders growing up!”

      Before a third added: “Talk about shock endings.”

    • By Louis Allwood

      EastEnders fans have just hours left before seeing a familiar face

      EastEnders returns tonight for Cindy Beale’s explosive comeback.

      Fans are struggling to contain their excitement with one commenting: "I can see it’s all gonna go off !Great story lines Cindy !Alfie!Cringey Theo !Hope Theo is found out soon !"

    • By Louis Allwood

      Are Gina and Anna Twins in Eastenders?

      No, Gina and Anna are not twins.

      Although they are around the same age, Gina was somewhat of a motherly figure to Anna after the disappearance of their mum.

      Molly Rainford, who plays Anna in the show, told Digital Spy: "Gina, for a long time, has stepped into that maternal role even though she's not that much older than Anna.

      "She's always felt that burden of her mum leaving, more than Anna realises, so Gina's doing this because she wants to protect Anna.

      "I think Anna appreciates that but I don't think she feels it's fair as she wants to know more about her mum. I think that's the thing that overrides it and persuades her to reach out to the investigator."

    • By Louis Allwood

      Who is Cindy Beale in EastEnders?

      Cindy Beale – played by actress Michelle Collins — first appeared on EastEnders in 1988 and dated barman Simon Wicks (played by Nick Berry) before starting a relationship with Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and marrying him in 1989.

      The marriage soon hit trouble and she had a fling with Richard Cole (Ian Reddington), who claimed to be the father of her and Ian’s twins — Lucy and Peter.

      Cindy also had an affair with Simon’s half-brother David Wicks (Michael French).

      She was written out in a plot which saw her hire a hitman to kill husband Ian Beale, then changed her mind too late.

      After Ian was shot and injured, she fled to Italy but was arrested for attempted murder and remanded in custody.

      In November 1998 Ian was told Cindy had died while giving birth to a daughter, Cindy Williams.

      After leaving EastEnders, actress Michelle also appeared in Coronation Street as pub landlady Stella Price from 2011-14, and in Casualty as events organiser Samantha Kellman in summer 2014.

      She has also featured in Death In Paradise, Midsomer Murders, and The Dumping Ground.

    • By Henry Moore

      What time is EastEnders on tonight?

      EastEnders returns tonight for Cindy Beale’s explosive comeback.

      The soap will air at 19:30pm, running for 30 minutes.

      You can watch the episode on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

    • By Henry Moore

      Three shock theories as EastEnders icons return TONIGHT

      Walford will be plunged into chaos tonight as the Beale family is reunited once again.

      From revenge, heartbreak and even murder, anything could be on the cards as Cindy makes her explosive comeback.

      Check out our three shock theories as Albert Square sees two icons reunited.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE

      Three BBC EastEnders theories: death fears and soap legends at war

    • By Henry Moore

      Everything you need to know about EastEnders' Gina Knight

      Gina Knight is the daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale in Eastenders.

      She is the sister of George Knight Jr, Anna Knight, Steven Beale, Peter Beale, Lucy Beale and Cindy Williams Jr.

      While being somewhat of a daddy's girl, Gina is sharp, fiery, determined and demanding.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      Bright Knight

      Who is Gina Knight in Eastenders?

    • By Henry Moore

      EastEnders fans spot Cindy Beale blunder ahead of soap icon’s return tonight

      EastEnders fans have spotted a huge blunder in Cindy Beale's storyline ahead of her dramatic return to Walford tonight.

      Cindy – played by Michelle Collins – was last seen heading to London on the Eurostar to get her son Peter Beale (Thomas Law) back.

      Tonight, she arrives on Albert Square and faces her old friends, family and enemies.

      During Cindy's two-decade absence from Walford, she was in witness protection as Rose Knight.

      But eagle-eyed fans have already spotted an issue with this backstory.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      ENDERS RETURN

      EastEnders fans spot Cindy Beale blunder ahead of soap icon’s return tonight

    • By Henry Moore

      Is Anna Knight related to Bobby Beale?

      Anna Knight and Bobby Beale are not biologically related – however, the pair are in fact step siblings.

      As mentioned above, Cindy was revealed to be Anna's mum, Rose Knight – but she is currently with her ex husband Ian Beale, who is Bobby's dad.

      Cindy is is also the mother of Bobby's brother Peter and his siblings Steven and Lucy.

      In August 2023, fans of the soap were left sickened as Bobby Beale made a move on step-sister Anna Knight.

    • By Henry Moore

      Who is Anna's mother in EastEnders?

      Earlier this year, Anna's mother was revealed to be EastEnders Villainess Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins).

      Cindy was revealed as the mysterious Rose Knight in a dramatic France-set episode of the soap.

      Viewers now know that after being sent to prison for trying to kill then husband Ian Beale, Cindy had her death faked to turn evidence on her gangster cellmate.

      The authorities then faked her death in childbirth and Cindy fled for a new life as Rose.

      She later met George Knight, married him and had two daughters – Anna and Gina. 

      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      KNIGHT TIME

      Everything we know about Anna Knight in EastEnders

    • By Henry Moore

      How to get your daily fix of soap spoilers

      Keep up to date with Britain’s favourite soap dramas right here on thesun.co.uk.

      • Emmerdale
      • EastEnders
      • Hollyoaks
      • Coronation Street
      • By Henry Moore

        Fans think they know why Cindy Beale abandoned her family

        Ahead of her explosive return, EastEnders fans are convinced they know why Cindy Beale abandoned her family.

        Fans are convinced they have solved why and it's linked the her late daughter Lucy Beale.

        One fan said: "She found out Lucy had died and then got paranoid that by having another family she was putting Anna and Gina in danger from the gangster family so she did a runner.

        "Why she didn't think that when she hooked back up with Ian and Peter is anyone's guess but we're not meant to think too hard about it lol."

        Another theorised: "My guess is that when Lucy was murdered, she thought it was a 'message' from the woman she was hiding from, and she had to run again. I don't know if she even knows it was Bobby."

      • By Henry Moore

        Who is Bobby Beale's mother in EastEnders?

        Bobby Beale first appeared in the BBC One soap in July, 2003, following his birth.

        However, with so many ups and downs, heartbreaks and break ups in the Square and even within the Beale family, it's easy to lose track of who his parents are.

        The Beale clan is particularly vast itself with patriarch Ian (Adam Woodyatt) being the father of multiple children throughout and away from Walford.

        Many fans of the London-based program have sometimes fallen for the misconception that Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is Bobby's mother.

        Diehard fans of the long-running soap will remember that he was actually born during Ian's marriage with Laura Beale, making him Lucy and Peter's half-brother.

      • By Henry Moore

        EastEnders star Maisie Smith stuns as she attends Reading Festival

        Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith stunned as she attended the Reading Music Festival last week.

        Maisie, 22, could be seen sporting fast-food themed gear as she posed on a swing at the music festival.

        She was joined by her partner Max George as they promoted fast-food giant McDonalds.

        View this post on Instagram

        A post shared by Maisie Louise Collender Smith (@maisiesmithofficial)

      • By Henry Moore

        Who is Cindy Beale in EastEnders?

        Cindy Beale – played by actress Michelle Collins — first appeared on EastEnders in 1988 and dated barman Simon Wicks (played by Nick Berry) before starting a relationship with Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and marrying him in 1989.

        The marriage soon hit trouble and she had a fling with Richard Cole (Ian Reddington), who claimed to be the father of her and Ian’s twins — Lucy and Peter.

        Cindy also had an affair with Simon’s half-brother David Wicks (Michael French).

        She was written out in a plot which saw her hire a hitman to kill husband Ian Beale, then changed her mind too late.

        After Ian was shot and injured, she fled to Italy but was arrested for attempted murder and remanded in custody.

        In November 1998 Ian was told Cindy had died while giving birth to a daughter, Cindy Williams.

        After leaving EastEnders, actress Michelle also appeared in Coronation Street as pub landlady Stella Price from 2011-14, and in Casualty as events organiser Samantha Kellman in summer 2014.

        She has also featured in Death In Paradise, Midsomer Murders, and The Dumping Ground.

      • By Henry Moore

        How much do soap actors get paid?

        Soap stars face axe as Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale bosses are forced to make cuts – but who gets paid the most?

        Soap actors earning over £200,000 could be killed off in a dramatic 'massacre' later this year as bosses attempt to claw back much-needed cash.

        A soap insider has warned: "There is about to be a bloodbath across Corrie, Emmerdale and EastEnders – and it won’t be pretty."

        READ MORE SUN STORIES

        SOAPER STARS

        How much do EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors get paid?

      • By Henry Moore

        Bobby Beale spirals out of control as Cindy returns in EastEnders

        Cindy Beale is making her way back to the Square after more than two decades of absence.

        However, her return to Walford is sending former EastEnders demon child Bobby Beale into a panic as his past comes back to haunt him.

        The lad played by Clay Milner Russell was once one of Albert Square's biggest villain after letting his violent streak run wild and killing his older sister Lucy.

        And now, his mother's return will send Bobby spiralling out of control.

        READ MORE SUN STORIES

        LETTING LUCY

        Bobby Beale spirals out of control as Cindy returns in EastEnders

      • By Henry Moore

        What time is EastEnders on tonight?

        EastEnders returns tonight for Cindy Beale's explosive comeback.

        The soap will air at 19:30pm, running for 30 minutes.

        You can watch the episode on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

      • By Henry Moore

        Freddie Slater makes a huge romance decision in EastEnders

        Reeling from the truth about his father Graham Foster, Freddie Slater is slowly getting back to a normal life in the Square.

        Romance is on the cards for the EastEnders favourite this week after he makes a huge decision. But will he regret it?

        The Beales are on the verge of an explosive showdown in the BBC One soap as Cindy and Ian (played respectively by Michelle Collins and Adam Woodyatt) come back to the Square.

        READ MORE SUN STORIES

        LOVE SQUARE

        Freddie Slater makes a huge romance decision in EastEnders

      • By Henry Moore

        Who is George Knight in EastEnders?

        EastEnders introduced George Knight (Colin Salmon) as Queen Vic landlady Elaine Peacock's (portrayed by Harriet Thorpe) new life partner.

        He has moved into the pub with her, along with his two adult daughters, Anna and Gina, in tow.

        Elaine is all loved-up with George (Colin Salmon) and he has made himself at home in Albert Square.

        But Elaine's daughter Linda (Kellie Bright) isn't sure about him.

      • By Henry Moore

        George Knight breaks down as ex-wife Cindy Beale returns in EastEnders

        Years have gone by since George Knight last saw his wife Rose before she walked out on him and their family.

        Today, the EastEnders hunk is shocked to see her in Walford… under a completely different name.

        READ MORE SUN STORIES

        BEALE WITH IT

        George Knight breaks down as ex-wife Cindy Beale returns in EastEnders

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