Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is on the warpath in EastEnders next week, and is determined to destroy her former mother-in-law Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth).
The soap super b**ch swanned into Walford earlier this week at son Peter’s (Thomas Law) engagement party to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), and didn’t get a welcome reception.
Everyone ordered her to leave – with Lauren dishing out an ultimatum to her fiancé – choose her, or his estranged mother.
Cindy wasn’t done with her scheming, and with nothing to lose, revealed that Kathy was the one who had whacked her over the head with a snow shovel on Christmas Day.
The Knights, George and Elaine (Colin Salmon and Harriet Thorpe), were appalled that Kath’ had allowed the finger to be pointed towards their family and wanted to call the police.
However, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) then dropped an even bigger revelation. When Cindy learned that Kathy was the one who attacked her, she shot Ian and then attempted to throw him under the car that crashed into The Queen Vic pub.
As viewers of the BBC One soap will remember, this collision then sparked a catastrophic explosion, which killed Martin Fowler (James Bye).
After an eventful evening, Cindy marched off into the night, armed with a bottle of champagne. She was craving another showdown, and headed to Lauren’s flat.
When she arrived, Lauren’s waters had broken and she was in labour. Her worst nightmares were realised when Cindy became her unexpected birthing partner.
The schemer hoped that it would bring them closer, but Peter disowned her.
Later, Cindy headed to Ian and Kathy’s to make a bargain. They either handed over the businesses, or she’d go to the police about what happened over the festive period.
Ian tried to blackmail her, saying that he could grant access to secret visits with their new grandchild, but Cindy was adamant that it was all or nothing.
Kathy turned to Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) for a shoulder to cry on, quickly covering their intimacy when his partner Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) approached.
With their affair in full swing, he decided to invite Kath’ on a caravan holiday, but Jean found the brochure and assumed it was for the Slater clan.
In upcoming scenes, Harvey gears up for the Slaters’ camping trip – miffed that his clandestine getaway has been rumbled.
Jean digs her heels in and won’t go without daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner), who is still grieving Martin, leaving teenage Lily (Lillia Turner) in turmoil once again.
Ever the peacemaker, Harvey convinces Stacey to come along… only for Lily to throw another spanner in the works, declaring she doesn’t want Stacey there after all.
Eventually, Harvey reaches boiling point and darts off to the café to lean on Kath – except she’s in no mood to offer a shoulder.
Stacey and Lily make amends, and the family decide to hold a make-shift camp at home instead.
When Harvey returns home, disaster strikes: Jean gets down on one knee and pops the question.
How will he get out of this one?
Struggling to find an answer, he rushes to speak with Kathy, and prepares to reveal all when he returns. However, Jean misreads the situation and takes it as acceptance of her proposal.
While the Slaters pop the champagne, Harvey makes a swift exit, heading straight to Kathy’s – where one thing leads to another and they share a kiss.
Little do they realise, Cindy’s lurking in the shadows, and she’s recorded it.
The next day, Ian and Kathy are buzzing as they prep for the baby’s welcome home bash.
The celebrations don’t go without a hitch when Cindy makes a grand entrance at The Vic, and when Peter brushes her off, she’s got revenge on her mind.
As Harvey and Jean’s engagement is announced, Cindy drops the ultimate bombshell by playing the incriminating video of Kathy and Harvey’s kiss for all to see.
With jaws hitting the floor, Jean demands answer
