Cindy's BACK!

She returns to Walford and comes face to face with ex George and their girls

- ALISON SLADE

Twenty-five years after she 'died' in childbirth, Cindy Beale returns to Walford and inevitably claps eyes on estranged hubby George Knight and their daughters Gina and Anna; the family who knew her as 'Rose' and who were left devastated when she walked out on them.

The drama magnet, who became' Rose when she was living under a witness-protection programme, has, as we know, been living in France with first husband Ian and their son Peter.

She has come back hot on Peter's heels, and has no idea that George and the girls are now running The Vic.

Feathers fly as she fronts up to former muvva-in-law Kathy, but it's when she walks past the pub with lan - who is desperate to take her home that the proverbial really hits the fan.

George, who has been hosting Anna's 21st birthday bash, flings the door open to get some fresh air, and the former lovers finally come face to face. The one-time boxing champ is floored, and hardens when he realises Cindy didn't return for him and the girls. Claiming that Anna and Gina he takes Cindy into The Vic's barrel store and demands answers about her flit.

Cindy believes his porky...until Linda walks in and makes reference to Anna's party.

Realising her daughters are just metres away, Cindy barges into the bar to see them.

Actor Michelle Collins reveals, 'It's incredibly moving. Cindy had to leave nine years ago, and to not see your kids in nine years is hard.

'She knows she's not going to be forgiven; it was pretty awful what happened.'

The traumatised 20-somethings head to Peggy's to numb their pain, and it's not long before tragedy unfolds. Overwhelmed, George orders Cindy and lan to leave, but the pair take refuge at Alfie's flat.