EastEnders fans have cast their verdict on the newest unexpected pairing behind the bar in the Albert, and it is overwhelmingly positive.

When Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) left Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) in the lurch during a packed shift at the local gay bar this week, Cindy turned to arch-enemy Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) for help.

After some convincing, Elaine agreed to step in, and the duo soon found their rhythm behind the bar.

Following an enormously successful shift, Cindy offered Elaine a full-time position as co-manager.

As Elaine pointed out that they hated each other, Cindy explained that this was purely business, and that they worked well together.

Without much hesitation, Elaine accepted the offer – a popular decision among Metro readers.

‘I love their sarcastic remarks to each other n the way they quick fire their answers back to each other,’ Christine Ann Talbot said.

Cindy and Elaine’s quick wit and natural rivalry proved popular among the punters as well, with both women putting on a show behind the bar.

Joanne Step was also a fan, writing: ‘They were hilarious together.’

Our readers also praised the light-hearted energy in the scenes, especially in contrast to the heavier topics covered in the episode, like the robbery that left Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) hospitalised.

‘Was good to have some light hearted comedy back in it,’ Sylvia Lewis said.

‘I like this duo it has a great sarcasm and the comedy factor rolled into one, the wronged x wife’s club, hope it will be popular,’ Jane Driffill agreed.

Metro Soaps Reporter Maisie Spackman says…

There is no question that Elaine is at her best behind the bar, where her flamboyance and humour comes out in full-force. I’ve always thought she would be perfect in the Albert, and with Cindy by her side it is a completely new dynamic.

Putting two rivals in close proximity is a genius move from EastEnders. There is so much potential for drama, fights and even a new frenemies relationship, the likes of which we haven’t really seen since Pat Butcher and Peggy Mitchell.

I hope this is the beginning of a long-lasting business relationship for Cindy and Elaine. Long may their cattiness and snide remarks continue!

The pairing seemed to come as a surprise to viewers like Victoria Mcalpine, who wrote: ‘An unlikely partnership, but yes I love it.’

‘They’re interesting for sure,’ Sapphire Ivory added.

Metro readers think that Cindy and Elaine’s partnership has the potential to be a huge success, despite their previous fall-outs.

‘I recon together, they’ll be formidable,’ Sue Lassan predicted, while Ann Walker said: ‘Unusual couple but think it could be interesting.’

‘Think its a great combination,’ Gary Mc Cann agreed.

Cindy and Elaine’s rivalry began after Cindy returned to Albert Square and was revealed to be George Knight’s (Colin Salmon) missing wife, Rose.

It was clear that Cindy still harboured feelings for her ex, which caused issues in his relationship with Elaine, especially when Cindy and George kissed.

Now, George and Elaine have split, and Elaine found herself unemployed after the sale of the Queen Vic.

As landlady of the iconic boozer, Elaine went out of her way to try and outdo Cindy as she tried to relaunch the Albert, deliberately scheduling a special karaoke event on Cindy’s big opening night.