EastEnders fans are abuzz with anticipation as whispers suggest that Cindy Jr, portrayed by Mimi Keene, might make a dramatic return for the soap’s 40th-anniversary celebrations next month. The big reveal of Cindy Beale’s (played by Michelle Collins) mysterious attacker is slated to drop during this momentous week.
Cindy Beale’s re-entry into Walford in 2023 was the catalyst for an emotional family reunion. Her son Peter, played by Thomas Law, had already bonded with half-sisters Gina and Anna Knight, brought to life on screen by Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford, even before Cindy’s grand return.
Regular watchers will remember Lucy Beale, Cindy’s eldest daughter, whose tragic accidental death by Bobby’s hand occurred back in 2014. Yet, there’s one more daughter, Cindy Jr, who has yet to make an on-screen comeback with her mum.
EastEnders’ Cindy Jr thought her mum was dead up until last year
(Image: TV Grab)
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Back in 1998, Cindy was reportedly confirmed dead following alleged childbirth complications with Cindy Jr while incarcerated for plotting to kill ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Little did Cindy Jr know, as she was told her mother didn’t survive labor, Cindy was actually hush-hush living under witness protection.
Fast forward to April 2024, where EastEnders teased updates about the elusive Cindy Williams Junior as the Beales marked a decade since Lucy’s passing, reports the Manchester Evening News.
During this poignant time, Cindy was touched to receive a message from Cindy Jr, reading “hope you’re ok today” with an accompanying heart emoji prompting Cindy to seek out a heartfelt reunion. This closure only came about because Ian, who once looked after Cindy Jr and formed a close bond, informed her how much Cindy longed for her contact.
Cindy was relieved at this positive turn of events, despite Cindy Jr having “slammed the door in her face” during their last encounter. However, the pair are yet to enjoy a reunion.
Cindy Williams and Liam Butcher in EastEnders before they left for a new life in Germany
(Image: BBC)
Who is Cindy Williams Jr and what’s her backstory?
Cindy Williams Jr, portrayed initially by Eva Sayer in 2007 and later by Mimi Keene between 2013-2015, is the offspring of Cindy Beale and Nick Holland.
Cindy JR made a dramatic return to Albert Square in August 2013, opting to stay with the Beales after leaving her grandparents’ abode in Devon. Her move to the East End came following the revelation of her mothers ‘death’, and she aimed to be closer to half-siblings Peter and Lucy Beale.
Ian and Jane Beale stepped up as surrogate parents for a somewhat ‘lost’ Cindy. Yet, her rebellious streak soon surfaced, landing her in troublesome situations that often required Peter’s intervention.
Cindy Jr is yet to reunite with her mum on-screen in EastEnders
(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Even though Cindy was quite the mischievous teen, viewers couldn’t resist rooting for her.
While Cindy sought comfort and inclusion from Ian, it didn’t stop her from entangling herself in the intense ‘Who killed Lucy Beale’ saga in 2014.
Despite finding a family with those she yearned to connect with, Cindy eventually departed Walford in August 2015 along with her beau Liam Butcher, setting off for a new life in Germany. Additionally, Cindy became a mother to daughter Beth at the young age of 15.
Since then, there’s been an absence of news about her possible return to the Square.
Could Cindy Jr be making a comeback to EastEnders?
EastEnders icon Cindy was attacked on Christmas Day
(Image: Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA Wire)
On Christmas Day, Cindy found herself at the receiving end of an attack by an unknown individual after her affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) was revealed. As she recuperates in hospital, Cindy has been attempting to recall the events leading up to her assault, but is yet to remember who exactly struck her with a shovel.
Moreover, Cindy Jr hasn’t made any attempts to visit her mother while she was comatose.
EastEnders has confirmed that the identity of Cindy’s attacker will be unveiled during the show’s 40th anniversary week in February. This plot development has sparked speculation that Cindy Jr might be returning to Walford as the mystery surrounding her mother’s attack unravels.
According to Gambling.com, Mimi Keene is now the frontrunner to reprise her role as Cindy Jr, with odds standing at 8/15. This news comes as Ross Kemp confirmed his return to Walford in his iconic role as Grant Mitchell.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer