Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) will receive a far from warm welcome when she arrives back in Walford after being discharged from hospital in EastEnders next week.
The soap icon has been in an induced coma since she was attacked by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day, after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded in front of both their families.
Having delivered some harsh and cutting truths to all of her nearest and dearest prior to her attack, needless to say she is met with hostility from those she’s wronged when she leaves hospital.
Ex-fiancé Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) gives her the frostiest of receptions, after refusing son Peter Beale’s (Thomas Law) request to allow Cindy to move back into No. 45 while she recuperates.
Peter manages to trick Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) into letting his mother stay in his spare room, which causes friction when she struggles to adapt to living with him.
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is also on the warpath after Cindy gives the police a statement about her attack that firmly pins the blame on her, seemingly out of revenge for being the one to expose her affair.
While Lauren is later released on bail, causes further tension between her and partner Peter, who is struggling to support his warring mum and girlfriend.
Things are no less awkward over at The Vic where Cindy’s ex-husband George Knight (Colin Salmon) is on edge following her discharge, causing daughter Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) to privately voice her fears about their dad to sister Gina Knight (Francesca Henry).
With Peter seemingly the only one willing to give his mum the time of day, will Cindy be able to build any bridges with her fractured family, or will she be left out in the cold – just like she was on Christmas night?
Either way, EastEnders fans still have a while yet to go before finding out the true identity of her attacker, as bosses have previously confirmed the truth will be revealed as part of the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations in mid-February.
