A day-by-day episode guide is just what you need for a week of EastEnders like this one; we’ve got you covered!
When Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) returns to Walford, two important families are upended, causing enormous drama and mayhem.
Not least of all Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), who is thrust right into a confrontation with her archenemy, the rest of the Beales find it hard to believe that she is still alive and (relatively) well.
As Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) hesitantly returns to the Square, Ian (Adam Woodyatt) also has some mending to do with her.
The Knights are unaware of Cindy’s prior ties to Albert Square, but not for much longer!
Her girls are reeling from what they learn, and they are dealing with their own significant truths as well.
George (Colin Salmon) quickly finds himself trapped in his worst fear as Cindy’s return has unexpected consequences.
For everyone trapped in Cindy’s sphere of chaos, it’s a pretty bumpy trip!
Here is what to expect from the episodes.
Monday August 28
Cindy was surprised to find George here. (Image: BBC)
While Ian is on the phone demanding that Ian send his mother back to France, Cindy meets Peter and goes to Albert Square in search of Kathy.
Cindy must avoid people she knew years ago if she wants to remain anonymous. When Cindy leaves the café after trying her luck there and goes to No. 45 to face the music, things quickly get out of hand between the two ladies.
Later, Ian shows up desperately trying to get Cindy out of there, but George, who has just left The Vic, stops her in her tracks.
Gina, George, and Elaine get together to make Anna’s 21st birthday celebration one to remember. Gina drags Anna away from The Vic, where Elaine, Linda, and George are hard at work transforming it into a Spanish fiesta, and brings her to Fox & Hair to get glam.
George, who is experiencing emotional exhaustion from the day, later confides in Elaine about how unhappy and dissatisfied he is that Rose will miss yet another important moment in the lives of their kids.
Before Anna and Gina arrive to a flurry of shocks, Elaine reassures George, but as the day’s emotions take over, George slips outdoors for some fresh air.
In a hurry to prepare the food for Anna’s celebration, Kathy sends Rocky and Bobby to the chippy.
Kathy is shocked to find that Peter has returned to Walford following an unexpected visit from Cindy. Peter and Kathy talk things over later.
Tuesday August 29
George is shocked to see Cindy, but he quickly gets used to the fact that she was unaware he and the girls were in the Square and that she didn’t come back for them. When Cindy inquires about the location of their daughters, George lies and claims that both of them are in Spain.
George brings Cindy to the barrel store and presses for information in order to defend Gina and Anna. Later, Linda breaks up their secret conversation and begs George to stop being so self-centered in light of all the effort Elaine has put into planning Anna’s celebration.
Cindy runs into the pub and comes face to face with Anna and Gina as well as the citizens of Walford after realising her kids are just a few inches away.
In the laundromat, Ian looks for comfort. Peter goes to his father’s side and quickly understands why his father really didn’t want Cindy to go back to the Square.
Peter goes to The Vic to celebrate Anna’s birthday over his father’s objections, but Ian, who is looking for Cindy, shows there not long after and runs into Sharon and Phil, who are startled to see him.
Wednesday August 30
Walford is rocked by the consequences of Cindy and Ian’s homecoming. Cindy frantically attempts to explain herself to Gina and Anna upstairs in The Vic.
Before going to Peggy’s to drown their sorrows, Anna and Gina confront their mother. However, things swiftly spiral out of control.
In an effort to prevent his darkest fears from materialising, George searches for the girls with Cindy.
Though Ian makes an effort to keep Sharon and Phil at bay, Phil soon makes it apparent that he wants Ian gone.
Sharon works up the nerve to speak with Ian. Later, Ian returns to No. 45 to see Kathy, who is still in shock about Cindy’s visit. However, when Ian tells Kathy about Cindy’s affiliation with the Knights, Kathy is once more taken aback.
Bobby goes home to No. 45 while worrying to Ian that Cindy and Anna would despise him for Lucy’s passing. Bobby visits Peggy later to see how Anna is doing. Anna and Freddie go to the chippy.
Thursday August 31
Bobby attempts to make things right with Anna, but she says that given the circumstances, it’s best for both of them to remain friends.
George gives Cindy the go-ahead to go with the Beales. George is overwhelmed as he is alone for the first time.
At Alfie’s, Cindy and Ian seek safety.
