If George Knight (Colin Salmon) thought his vanished wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) turning up was a shocker, two more unexpected guests are set to rock his world in EastEnders.
Their entrance – and the shocking news they bring – drives a further wedge between George and his fiancee, Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), which suits scheming Cindy just fine.
Cindy’s has her sights set on her former husband George ever since she walked back into Albert Square in August after 25 years away.
Viewers – and pretty much everyone in Albert Square – thought she had died in prison in childbirth back in 1998, after being sentenced for trying to have hubby Ian Beale murdered and attempting to flee the country.
In fact, Cindy had been in witness protection, under the alias Rose, and during that time she met and married George.
But nine years ago she’d vanished from George’s life, and later reunited in France with ex Ian Beale, despite having tried to kill him and her multiple affairs.
Now she’s determined to put down roots in Walford and win back the trust of her children with George, Anna and Gina.
On New Year’s Day, a shocked Elaine overhears Cindy asking George if he’s ‘happy with his life choices’ – and shortly after there’s a knock on the door.
Elaine’s already rattled after the pair take a trip down memory lane on Christmas Day.
Then his parents, Gloria and Eddie, turn up unexpectedly – and Elaine is worries by his reaction to them.
There’s also clearly some serious beef between Eddie and granddaughter Gina.
But George won’t open up to Elaine about what’s really going on. It’s Cindy he turns to for support as she knows his secret – he’s adopted.
And when Gloria delivers some shocking news, which turns his world upside down, it’s Cindy he leans on.
Soon he’s spending the night on the sofa and sneaking off to meet Cindy, as the pair set about finding out all they can about his adoption.
What is the shocking news that Gloria brings? Will George come clean with Elaine, or move closer to Cindy?
Whatever happens, the Knight household has some turbulent times to come, with show boss Chris Clenshaw promising big drama in the wake of Elizabeth Counsell and Christopher Eubank arriving as Gloria and Eddie.
The Executive Producer said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the legendary and immensely talented actors, Christopher and Elizabeth, to the EastEnders family as they bring to life the characters of Gloria and Eddie.
‘Although currently set to join for a short stint, Gloria and Eddie are thrust into the heart of the drama as they try to reconnect with their son but it soon becomes apparent why George has kept his distance.’
Speaking on joining the show, Elizabeth enthused: ‘I can honestly say it has been an absolute joy. The cast and all of the team behind the scenes at EastEnders are brilliant and have been so welcoming.
‘Colin and I actually worked together before, and who would have thought that I’d be playing his mum almost thirty years later!’
Christopher added: ‘I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to join the cast of EastEnders. Everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s been fantastic to meet and work with the brilliant actors involved in the show.’
