EastEnders introduces new Cindy Beale mystery in iPlayer release

EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s episode (December 24), which can be seen on the BBC iPlayer streaming service and has not yet been broadcast on TV.

EastEnders has introduced a new mystery as Cindy Beale’s secrets are to be revealed in the show’s latest episode.

Elaine Knight recently got hold of the recording of Cindy and David’s conversation, which revealed both her affair with Junior and her love for her ex-husband George.

This week she told Cindy what she knew and demanded she tell the family the truth that night or she would play the damn recording for everyone.

Related: Best streaming services

Elaine couldn’t bring herself to do it because she didn’t want to ruin George’s happiness. But she gave Cindy a new ultimatum – leave Walford for good or she would reveal her secrets.

In today’s episode, Cindy met with Elaine and agreed to her deal. However, Elaine refused to give her the USB stick until she had proof that she was on her way.

Cindy talked to Ian about them moving to France, but he was reluctant to leave Peter. When he finally agreed to think about it, she explained that she had already booked the tickets for New Year’s Day.

Gina and Anna were saddened to lose their mother again, and George was also shocked by Cindy’s sudden news. As a result, George invited Cindy and the Beales to have Christmas dinner with the knights at The Vic, should this be her last in the square.

Related: EastEnders scrapping early iPlayer releases for key Christmas and New Year episodes

George told Junior that Cindy was leaving, and as Junior tried to mask his own feelings, George admitted that he had been hit hard by the news.

Cindy and Junior later meet at his flat, where she tells him that Elaine knows all about their affair and is forcing her out of Walford.

She tried to protest that she wasn’t really going away with Ian and wasn’t giving up on their relationship, but Junior was furious. However, Cindy managed to keep him around by lying and telling him that she loved him.

Related: EastEnders promises “bonkers” 40th anniversary episodes

Elaine agreed to finally give Cindy the USB key, but when she went to grab it, she found it was missing from the laptop.

For a second it seemed that the recording was being played on the entire Square. But as residents gathered for the carol concert, someone snuck back into The Vic and put it in the family’s secret Santa box.

With Elaine admitting to Cindy that the USB stick had gone missing, who else knows her secrets and wants to reveal them on Christmas Day?

EastEnders sent Mondays – Thursdays at 19.30 on BBC One. The show is also streamed on BBC iPlayer, with most episodes dropping early at 06.00 in advance of their telecast.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated website