This article contains spoilers for tonight’s (15th July) episode of EastEnders that hasn’t yet aired on BBC One but is available now on BBC iPlayer.
Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) – one of EastEnders’ most iconic characters has returned to the show after 7 years.
It’s been a long time coming – and something which fans of the soap have been anticipating ever since they learnt Ian (Adam Woodyatt) was hiding a huge secret.
Partner Cindy (Michelle Collins) and mum Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) remained convinced by his claims that he was running for council again, though son Peter (Thomas Law) had already contacted the offices and learnt that wasn’t the case.
It wasn’t long before Cindy’s suspicions were piqued once again and she discovered that he hadn’t packed a suit for his supposed leadership seminar in Manchester.
Convinced he was having an affair, she confided in Kathy over her worries, who urged her to speak with Ian about the truth.
Despite him shutting down her concerns, she quickly jumped into his car and found an address in the Cotswolds preloaded into the sat-nav, and in a moment of madness, she rushed into the Queen Vic to demand ex-husband George (Colin Salmon) lend her his car.
Whilst initially reluctant, his fiancée Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) allowed him to drive her to the location himself.
Elsewhere, Peter begged Martin Fowler (James Bye) to borrow his van and chased after them – with Bobby (Clay Milner Russell) jumping in the back.
Arriving at a picturesque house, Cindy realised that she couldn’t face the prospect of Ian having an affair and asked George to turn around.
She soon admitted that she sees Ian as a sense of security and never thought he’d ever betray her in the same way she recently did.
After building up the courage, she peered through the window and spotted a bottle of wine and two glasses on the coffee table. After slamming on the door, Ian eventually answered and she charged through the property.
In a truly iconic EastEnders doof doof moment, Cindy looked towards Jane – and she introduced herself.
‘Hello Cindy, I’m Jane.’
Consider us shocked!
Fans have already jumped onto social media to express their delight, with one commenting: ‘Stunning ending – absolutely seated for tomorrow.’
Another added: ‘Never been happier to see Jane back!’
‘No spoilers but tonight’s #EastEnders made me scream out loud – YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS’ said one viewer on X.
And whilst England may not have won the Euros this year, one soap fan enthused: ‘Jane Beale is coming home, not football.’
Iconic.
But why is Ian meeting up with her, and what does this mean for the wider family? Is he having an affair?
