Michelle Collins made a shock return to EastEnders in Wednesday night's episode, confirming recent rumours that Cindy Beale is returning to the soap after 25 years.
The character last appeared in Albert Square in April 1998 - and later that year, her long-suffering husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt) received word that she had died during childbirth.
In the final scene of Wednesday's episode, however, Cindy was seen alive and well, sipping a drink at a poolside and ignoring a call from George Knight (Colin Salmon).
George arrived in Albert Square earlier this month, sparking many questions about his wife 'Rose' who suddenly disappeared 10 years ago, abandoning him and their two daughters.
The scene confirmed that Cindy was indeed Rose, and exactly what happened to her all those years ago will be revealed in Thursday night's episode.
The episode will also mark the return of Ian, who has now somehow been reunited with his presumed-dead ex-wife at some point in the last two years while he has been away from the Square.
"For over 25 years I've constantly been asked 'Are you going back?' and now finally I can say I am!" said Collins. "It's an honour to be asked to reprise the role of Cindy Beale, a character that has really never left me, and just like the old days, where Cindy goes, drama usually follows."
Woodyatt, meanwhile, said: "It's weird saying Ian's back as it never really felt like he was gone, Ian still existed, just not in Walford. Now that he is back, he needs to avoid Sharon cooking carbonara and his mum getting him cufflinks for Christmas!"
"It's an honour to not simply welcome back just one EastEnders icon in the name of Adam Woodyatt, but to welcome Michelle Collins back to Walford to reprise her role as the legendary Cindy Beale after twenty-five years is somewhat surreal," added the soap's exec producer Chris Clenshaw.
"Cindy's been sorely missed from our screens, and we're delighted that she'll be returning to Walford, alongside Ian, permanently later this year.
"Now everyone knows that she is in fact Rose Knight, secrets are set to be revealed as viewers will learn about the circumstances surrounding their return, including the million dollar question - how is Cindy alive when she was declared dead in 1998? – and later this summer Ian and Cindy's comeback will be nothing less than explosive for the Square."
EastEnders continues Thursday night at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Neil Wilkes
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