Michelle Collins reprises her role as Cindy Beale in EastEnders next week.

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The actress made her explosive return to the BBC One soap after 25 years in June 2023 after her character was killed off-screen back in 1998.

However, a twist revealed that Cindy Beale was alive, had been placed into witness protection and also previously lived a life as 'Rose Knight' - the wife of George Knight (Colin Salmon) and mother of his daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford) - before abandoning her new family.

The character was later seen living in France with her ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) who she had reconciled with off-screen, whilst also living with their eldest son Peter Beale, once again played by actor Thomas Law.

Now, a first look has revealed the moment that Cindy arrives back in Walford after so long away.

It appears Cindy's first interaction will be with The Albert bar manager Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison), but how will she feel to be back?

Michelle Collins walking into a sun-soaked Walford in EastEnders 2023.
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is seen back in Walford in these images from Monday 28th August 2023. Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

The BBC has also confirmed that Cindy will be back on our screens on Thursday 24th August 2023 as, in France, she plans to head to Walford to retrieve her son, Peter, against the wishes of Ian who is keen to keep her away from Albert Square as he secretly knows that her Knight family now live there.

Unbeknownst to Cindy, Peter is also now aware of the presence of the Knights and the reason he has gone to Walford is to meet his new half-sisters.

We have now also been treated to two trailers for Cindy's return, one featuring footage from her big return week which sees her have a showdown with former mother-in-law Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) and also teases coming face to face with her husband George.

It seems we could be set for an iconic doof of the moment of her return to the Square on Thursday, ahead of the major week centring around her comeback the following week.

The first look comes hot on the heels of further details revealed about the dramatic following week as it becomes public knowledge that Cindy and Ian are both back in Walford.

Matthew Morrison speaking is in the background as Felix Baker, while Michelle Collins walking into a sun-soaked Walford in EastEnders 2023..
It seems that Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison, left) will be the first person to speak with Cindy in Walford Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Numerous confrontations take place, Cindy is reunited with her daughters and husband George, and will then have to make a big decision about her future. What will she choose?

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EastEnders airs two double bills next week on Tuesday 22nd August and Thursday 24th August 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.

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Lewis KnightTrends Editor

Lewis Knight is the Trends Editor for Radio Times, covering trending titles from TV, Film and more. He previously worked at The Mirror in TV, Film, and Showbiz coverage alongside work on SEO. Alongside his past work in advertising, he possesses a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Film Studies.

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