This week saw some of the most anticipated episodes on EastEnders. Not only did the episodes resolve the mystery around Rose Knight’s identity, but they also brought forth some other blasts from the past. Viewers were already anticipating the return of actress Michelle Collins as Cindy, as well as actor Adam Woodyatt as Ian. However, what fans did not expect was to watch their son, Peter Baele, make a comeback. But that’s not all! Another past character has also returned to possibly reunite with Peter! Keep reading TV Season & Spoilers to find out all about it!
Adam Woodyatt Return As Ian Baele
Previously, on EastEnders, Ian Baele had left town after he discovered that Sharon had married him only to seek revenge for what he had done to her son, Denny. Post that, he only appeared once on the show, very briefly, at Dot’s funeral. Even then, he just hung around the outskirts and watched the ceremony proceed. Towards the end, he spoke to someone over the phone and addressed her as “love”. However, no explanation was given as to whom he was speaking with. However, now it is revealed that Ian is returning to Albert Square with his wife, Cindy, in tow!
EastEnders: Michelle Collins Returns As Cindy Baele
All the way back in the late 90s, Ian received word from the prison that Cindy Baele had died after giving birth to a baby girl on EastEnders. Ian then attended his funeral and named her daughter Cindy. However, her death was never shown on-screen, but she was presumed dead for well over 25 years on the soap. But now, things have changed. This week’s episodes revealed that the mystical Rose Knight is indeed Cindy Baele! Moreover, the backstory claims that Cindy and Ian had been living together for quite some time in France. Although, it is yet to be known where, when, and how the two actually reunited!
Thomas Law as Peter Baele
Peter Baele is Ian and Cindy’s son on EastEnders. He was born in 1993 and had a twin sister, Lucy. He also had a half-brother, Steven, from his mother. Over the stretch of three long decades that the character has existed on the BBC soap, as many as seven different actors have portrayed him. The first ever was Francis Brittin-Snell. He portrayed Peter as a baby. Later on, actors Alex Steven, Joseph Shade, and James Martin portrayed him for short durations.
A more grown-up Peter was then portrayed by Ben Hardy between 2013-2015. While the last actor to play Peter before he bolted from Westford was actor Dayle Hudson. However, actor Thomas Law has now reclaimed the role! We say reclaimed because Thomas previously played Peter between 2006-2010. Over the years, Peter has had a conflicted relationship with his family on the soap. Moreover, he also has had a series of torrid relationships with various women on the soap. Including Lauren Branning, Lola Pearson, and Suki Panesar! However, he shares a son with Lauren. This brings us to the final name on the list! Lauren Brannings has also returned to EastEnders!
Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning On EastEnders
Among the many characters that returned to EastEnders this week, one of the most shocking was, Lauren Branning. Absolutely no one was expecting this to happen. Unfortunately, Lauren’s return won’t be a lasting one. Jacqueline Jossa’s appearance was more of a cameo on the soap. She was seen talking to Peter when she arrived to pick up their son, Louie. The couple did have a conversation about getting back together and even came close to kissing.
However, as soon as Lauren realized that Peter had always known about Cindy being alive and hid the truth on EastEnders, she was done. She took it as a betrayal and decided that she would never be able to trust Peter. Thus deciding to part ways with him permanently. Hence, it is doubtful that we will get to see Luren again on the soap. But that doesn’t take away from the ongoing thrill of Cindy and Ian’s backstory! So stay tuned to EastEnders to find out how Ian, Cindy, and Peter reunited in France.