THE latest episode of EastEnders left fans astounded as Jacqueline Jossa made a surprise return to the show, while Thomas Law was recast as Peter. Viewers took to Twitter to express their excitement and share their thoughts on the closely-guarded secret. One fan wrote, “EastEnders bringing Thomas Law and Jacqueline Jossa back is the best decision they’ve made!!” Another fan exclaimed, “Oh hello Jacqueline Jossa,” while a third commented, “Jacqueline has not missed a beat.” A fifth viewer added, “Thrilled to see Thomas Law and Jacqueline Jossa back on screen.”
Jacqueline’s return came after her one-off reappearance for Dot Cotton’s funeral, which left fans speculating about her future on the show. In January, Jacqueline had denied rumors of a full-time return, stating, “I am not on the way back to the square full time… I have not confirmed a return.” However, her unexpected appearance has taken fans by surprise.
In the recent episode, Cindy’s complex backstory was finally unveiled, 26 years after her supposed death in childbirth while in prison. Previously believed to be deceased, Cindy made an epic comeback as George Knight’s ex-wife Rose. The shocking twist revealed that she had been living with her husband Ian in Europe. The episode began with Cindy and Ian playing with their grandson Louie before Peter announced the imminent arrival of someone. Panicked, Peter exclaimed, “Mum! She’s here, she’s five minutes away.” Realizing that Cindy’s existence was still a secret, Ian urged her to hide while the mysterious visitor arrived.
To everyone’s surprise, Lauren emerged from the car, making her unexpected return to EastEnders. She explained to Peter that she had decided to visit their son Louie earlier than planned. Cindy and Ian were then seen walking through the town, engaged in a conversation about Cindy’s possession of a photograph of George Knight. Ian asked her, “Why are you carrying a photograph around of him in your bag?” Cindy revealed that she had a romantic relationship with George under the alias “Rose” in Marbella, resulting in the birth of two daughters, Anna and Gina.
During their discussion, Cindy and Ian were visited by Mary, who shed further light on Cindy’s past. Mary informed Cindy that the witness protection scheme, under which Cindy had been living, was no longer necessary since a woman named Jackie Ford had passed away. Concerned about potential grudges from the past, Cindy inquired, “There’s no faces from the old days who might be holding a grudge?” After receiving reassurances of safety, Cindy expressed her reluctance to return to Walford, emphasizing her personal growth and change, stating, “I’ve changed, I’m not the same person I was there.”
As Cindy and Ian’s disagreement escalated, Cindy stormed into the bedroom only to find Ian collapsed on the floor. The scene then shifted to Lauren and Peter, who discussed the possibility of reigniting their romance. Despite Peter’s assurances of personal growth, their conversation was interrupted by Cindy’s phone call, informing Peter about Ian’s hospitalization. Lauren insisted on accompanying Peter to the hospital, despite his attempts to shield her from the truth of Cindy’s survival.
Upon entering the hospital room, Lauren was stunned to find Cindy standing next to Ian’s bed. Peter explained the situation, revealing that Ian had only discovered Cindy’s survival a year ago and had recently shared the news with him. Peter had rushed from New Zealand with Louie to be with his family. The episode unveiled Cindy’s backstory as Peter explained how she had entered the witness protection scheme to escape her old cellmate Jackie Ford, with Walford residents being told she had died in childbirth. Ian watched a video from Walford, featuring George and their daughters, realizing they were now living in Walford instead of Marbella.
Cindy expressed her growing inclination to return to Walford, but Ian seemed reluctant, possibly fearing a reunion between Cindy and George. The episode ended with lingering questions about whether the couple would return to the Square and the potential drama that might follow.
Don’t miss the next episode of EastEnders, airing on BBC One on Monday at 7.30pm.
