EastEnders’ Cindy Beale makes life-changing decision after stand-off with Ian – sending shockwaves through the square

CINDY Beale made a life-changing decision after she finally found out Ian Beale knew her second family was in Walford.

Cindy (Michelle Collins) shocked the residents of Albert Square after she returned with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) following behind her.

She came face-to-face with her ex George Knight (Colin Salmon) and daughters, Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford), after she walked out on them nine years ago.

Cindy reunited with her second family and rushed to be by her eldest daughter Gina's side after she collapsed due to taking drugs.

An emotional Cindy asked Ian whether he knew about Anna's voicemail she left her a few weeks ago.

Ian claimed he didn't and accused Anna of lying.

However, Cindy could see Ian was agitated and said: "You are lying to me. You knew she called me. Did you know George and the girls were living here? You knew, you bloody well knew!"

Ian confessed to reading her messages and deleting her texts to protect her.

Cindy told him: "I'm staying here for my daughters. And if you want to make up for what you've done, you're going to find a way to make that happen."

Later outside the Queen Vic pub, Cindy informed George: "Ian and I have had a little chat and we're staying."

George replied: "My girls need you gone."

Cindy answered: "Are you sure it's not you who needs me gone George," before adding, "I think the girls need me now more than ever."

Viewers were left thrilled after Cindy decided to stick around.

Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, one viewer said: “Cindy’s well and truly back! What an incredible week.”

Another wrote: “Cindy is the best thing to happen!”

A third penned: “Thank God Cindy’s back! Go Cindy! Love her.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.