Cindy Beale – played by Michelle Collins – is set to return to BBC soap EastEnders next week just in time for her son Peter Beale’s engagement party with Lauren Branning

Actor Michelle Collins has teased over Cindy Beale’s return to EastEnders. She’s revealed what to expect when her character is reunited with her family, who are set to be unimpressed to see her back in Walford after weeks away.

It was announced just a few days ago that Cindy – who was last seen on the BBC soap in February – will be back next week. Her return coincides with an engagement party on Albert Square for her son Peter Beale (played by Thomas Law) and his fiancée Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

Cindy fled Walford over two months ago after having been attacked on Christmas Day. Prior to her departure, her mother-in-law Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) told her that she had been the assailant. A confrontation with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) then ended in him being accidentally shot by Cindy, who later pushed him in front of a car out on the square, which led to the fatal explosion at the Queen Vic.

Later given money by Ian, on the condition that she leave, Cindy announced to her family that she would spend some time away following the attack. She did not disclose what Kathy had told her but said she she didn’t feel safe at home.

Now, ahead of Cindy’s return next week, actor Michelle, 62 – who first played the character in 1988 – has teased what to expect when she reunites with her family.

Michelle said: “Cindy comes back wanting to make amends, and wanting to get back with her family, but I think what she doesn’t realise is that people have not forgotten and they’re not going to forgive her that easily.” She added that there is a “very frosty reception” despite the character expecting her loved ones to have “open arms” for her. Michelle teased: “She’s quite deluded, isn’t she?”

She however suggested that Cindy feels “remorseful” after hearing more about the aftermath of the explosion. Michelle said that Cindy pushing Ian was a “catalyst” but added that her character feels that he is “just as much to blame” because Cindy “retaliated” against him in the moment.

Speaking about Cindy, the soap star said that she cares “passionately” about her children, particularly Peter. She said that although her character might not be “the perfect mum,” she has fought for them “a lot over the years”.

It’s already been confirmed that Cindy is shunned at Peter’s engagement party. Spoilers for next week also revealed that she ends up supporting her son’s pregnant partner Lauren when she goes into labour on her own.

Michelle teased that Cindy is “good in a crisis” and does “what she has to do” to get her future daughter-in-law to hospital. The actor suggested that Cindy “does try” with Lauren, despite having “never really liked” her son’s fiancée.

She also hinted that there could be further tension ahead for the family. Michelle teased that Cindy – who is set to share that Kathy is her apparent attacker – “wouldn’t go down without a fight” over the next few weeks on the show.

EastEnders continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Monday from 7.30pm. The episode is expected to be available on the streaming platform that morning.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.