So given the events of Christmas, you might think Kathy would be one of the lesser likely Walford residents to start an affair of her own.

Well, turns out that is not the case, as on Thursday, fans of the BBC soap saw Kathy actively suggest embarking upon a steamy affair with fellow local Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman).

Recent weeks have seen Harvey feeling increasingly isolated from partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and the rest of the Slaters in the wake of Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) death last month.

As a result, he and Kathy – who is married to his best mate Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) – have been drawn closer together, sharing a kiss as they united in their grief over Martin earlier this week.

But things went a step further during the latest episode when they ended up in bed together at the Beale house.

While Harvey appeared to have some regrets after they’d had sex, something Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) later said struck a chord with him, and he tracked Kathy down at The Albert.

Admitting he was no longer happy with Jean, Harvey proposed the idea of being honest with her, which Kathy immediately shot down.

Refusing to be the cause of more unhappiness in the Slater household, she then put forward a startling suggestion – starting a secret relationship.

Harvey didn’t take any persuasion and the pair then shared a passionate kiss, signalling the beginning of a brand new affair.

We can only imagine what Cindy would have to say…