EastEnders' Cindy Beale means business as she stands up to Nish Panesar

While son Peter (Thomas Law) bonded with Gina and Anna, Ian turned on the charm, suited and booted and back to the Ian we remember, as he presented his business plan to Nish. Nish remained ice cool throughout, quizzing Ian on Cindy's whereabouts.

Cindy was in fact checking out potential business premises; but as Ian bragged about his experience and promised a hefty profit for Nish, Suki reminded Ian of the time he humiliated her over their last business deal.

Branding Ian a "weasel", Suki urged Nish not to trust him, and the couple walked out. When Cindy returned to the house, thrilled to have found some suitable premises for their business, Ian revealed that the Panesars had been and gone, with no intention of signing a deal.

Cindy stormed off to see Nish, who was full of jibes about Ian's behaviour. But Cindy soon turned the tables on Nish, insisting that it was he who needed the Beales on board, otherwise they would be running a business in direct competition with Nish.

Pointing out that Ian had an impressive reputation career-wise (are you sure about that, Cindy?) and that she had negotiated a great deal on the lease, Cindy added that they would be going ahead with or without Nish's backing.

Nish was visibly impressed by Cindy, but will he have a change of heart? You'll just have to keep watching to find out, but while you wait, let's delve into the history between bitter Suki and Ian...

What happened between Ian Beale and Suki Panesar?

Back in 2020, Ian was making enemies everywhere, from half-brother Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden), to best friend and eventual wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) – and Suki was another character who had cause to hate him.

When Suki offered Ian a bribe to secure a property development through his role within the council, Ian told a journalist all about Suki's ill-advised actions.

Fuming to be faced with the reporter's questions, Suki managed to send the man packing. But she was rattled, and confronted Ian with a fierce threat about going against her. Soon after, Ian was attacked, and Suki was one of the suspects.

Of course, viewers know that it was actually Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) who inflicted violence on Ian, out of loyalty to Sharon and revenge over Ian's role in her late son Denny's (Bleu Landau) death.

So, Suki was confirmed to be in the clear at the time. But given that Nish is a whole new level of dangerous, could Ian come to regret pursuing this family as a business backer?

Read more:

• EastEnders sweeps National Television Awards 2023 with big wins
• Danielle Harold reveals hopes for new roles after EastEnders exit
• EastEnders' epic Cindy Beale return week was a true gift from the soap gods
• Former EastEnders star Caroline Paterson makes emotional return to Walford set
• EastEnders confirms the “unwelcome” return date for Emma Harding

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.