EastEnders reveals behind-the-scenes secret from Ian and Cindy Beale's return
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders has revealed a behind-the-scenes secret after Ian and Cindy Beale’s return to the soap.
In last night’s (June 21) episode, Michelle Collins made a sensational return as Cindy after 25 years away from the soap, with the character not only being alive but also behind the identity of Rose Knight, the ex-wife of George.
Tonight’s (June 22) extended episode saw the storyline explained further, with Cindy and Ian living in France along with their son Peter and grandson Louie, with the former operating under a Witness Protection Act.
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Despite the drama being temporarily set across the Channel, actor Adam Woodyatt revealed in a behind-the-scenes video that the scenes were shot a lot closer to home.
“We’re supposed to be in France – but we’re not,” he said. “We’re in sunny Radlett, except it’s not that sunny anymore – it’s bloomin’ freezing.”
The storyline will see the family return to Walford later this year, with executive producer Chris Clenshaw revealing how the plot came to be.
“It was always there, but it wasn't until one of our writers had pitched a different story — which was still involving the return of Cindy — and everyone kind of gasped,” he said. “Everyone was behind the idea and that made me think there was something in this.
If Cindy and Ian weren’t enough, we also had Peter and Lauren back on our screens! Check out our special BTS to see how the episode was made and hear what .@missmcollins, .@AdamWoodyatt, .@jacquelineMjos
and .@Thomaslaw92 had to say about their BIG returns. #EastEnders #BTS pic.twitter.com/ugd8BHkVr9— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 22, 2023
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“We started talking about it well over a year ago. Once we started to look at the story, we had to make sure it was credible. She was dead but we didn't see a body, so it was making sure that that worked.
“We had the story, but we still had to get Adam and Michelle. Adam's been away from the show a little while now, and I personally think EastEnders without Ian — feels like something is missing,” he added.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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