EastEnders viewers were left worried for two Walford residents after Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) made a sudden departure from the Square. Fans believe her exit is only the beginning of a dangerous revenge plan.
On Tuesday, February 25, Cindy left Walford after uncovering that her former mother-in-law, Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), was the one who attacked her with a shovel on Christmas Day. In a heated confrontation, Cindy shot her ex-husband, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), in the arm before pushing him into the path of Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) speeding car on Bridge Street.
This triggered a tragic chain of events—Reiss lost control and crashed into The Queen Vic, causing an explosion that killed Ian’s cousin, Martin Fowler (James Bye). Ian later struck a deal with Cindy, promising to stay silent about what led to Martin’s death if she didn’t expose Kathy’s attack.
However, Cindy wasn’t satisfied with the offer and demanded her share of their joint business account. Ian agreed, but only on the condition that she left Walford immediately. As Ian mourned Martin at Beale’s Eels, Cindy gathered her family—including Kathy, Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), and the Knights—before announcing her plans to leave and stay with her old friend Gita Kapoor.
Rather than revealing the truth about her attack, Cindy hinted that she still suspected someone close to her. Her family seemed indifferent to her departure, with Peter promising to update her when his baby with Lauren was born, while Ian coldly told her to “enjoy her money.”
At the tube station, Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), Cindy’s former lover, pleaded with her to stay, but she assured him she was only letting Ian believe he had won—for now.
Fans are now convinced that Cindy will return with vengeance. One viewer posted on X: “This isn’t the last we’ll see of Cindy Beale. She’ll be back for the ultimate revenge. Don’t stay away for too long @missmcollins #EastEnders.”
Another fan wrote: “I love Cindy… I want her back! Hope she returns with a fiery vengeance #EastEnders.”
A third viewer pointed out the irony: “Cindy saying ‘no one’s getting away with anything’ about Ian and Kathy while she’s walking away from a manslaughter charge for Reiss and Martin’s deaths #EastEnders.”
Another fan added: “This is far from over. Gillian Taylforth teased last week that Cindy’s story isn’t finished. I bet she’ll be back in a few months, ready for revenge. #EastEnders.”
