EastEnders fans were stunned as Cindy Beale made a shock return to the soap after she was revealed to be Rose Knight.
In huge scenes on Wednesday evening, Michelle Collins made her much-anticipated return to the BBC soap after a quarter of a century off our screens.
Yet many questions still remain as to where Cindy has been all these years after she was presumed dead.
Pregnant with Nick's baby, she made her last appearance on the BBC soap in person in April 1998 after attempting to murder Ian Beale.
Ian was then given the news that Cindy has died in childbirth in November 1998 but her daughter survived, with Cindy's sister Gina getting custody of the little one.
It has now been confirmed she was actually living in France but was obviously married to George Knight at some time.
The shock revelation of Cindy's return has sent fans wild, coming up with many theories as to what she has been up to.
Lucy's death made her run away
One fan thinks Cindy's daughter Lucy Beale's death caused her to run away.
It was revealed Lucy was killed by her younger brother Bobby after her body was found on Walford Common.
The fan explained: "Okay but think about it Lucy’s case was high profile and most likely national news in EastEnders land… old photos of Cindy with a young Lucy definitely would’ve been a potential to show on the news / social media.
"Could that play into part to why she ran away."
Heated argument with George
Another fan theory as to why Cindy has been hiding is that she revealed her previous life to George.
A viewer said: "I'm thinking that Cindy let something slip about her previous life after learning Lucy had died.
"This leads to her and George arguing as he had no idea she had children. She then walks out and calls witness protection who move her immediately."
In response, another fan said: "This would make sense in the timeline as Lucy did die 9 years ago and mentioned countless times now by George it’s been 9 years."
Witness protection
Others have stated Cindy has been using witness protection to keep her whereabouts sealed.
A fan wrote: "I have always loved a good #EastEnders mystery so here goes…. Cindy Beale was moved from prison for witness protection.
"Went to Spain met George had family. Went missing 9 years ago. 9 years ago Lucy Beale was murdered. Then Rose/Cindy took action that put her cover story in danger and had to be relocated.
"This is all linked to the Christmas murder. Did Nish get put away for killing an intruder or something else? Was it linked to Cindy’s evidence? Is that why Cathy and Suki are both wearing blue on Christmas Day because they are connected.
"Are the other colours the woman are wearing a clue? Also where are the Knights on Christmas Day? Is the song Stay Another Day a clue? East 17- E17 Walthamstow? As usual I have an Eastenders mystery far too seriously."
Another added: "Rose's files are denied because she is in witness protection and is CINDY BEALE!"
Some residents knew
It has been predicted that some residents knew Cindy was alive and well.
One fan pointed out a scene during Dot's funeral, saying: "Just thinking back now to Dot's funeral & now we know who Ian COULD have been on the phone too that day.
"Cindy Beale. Really wanted it to be Jane though can't lie."
"I think it has to be Cindy, the minimal contact Ian has had with his family would explained by the fact he's in hiding with her," another added.
Someone else wrote: "So basically bobby's known cindy's been alive all this time?? Cheeky bugger."
In response a fan quipped: "Yeah you’re right; when he said it’s complicated.. he knew all about her."
Meanwhile another fan remember a scene in 2007 where Gina told Ian that she still speaks to Cindy.
"We’ve known since 2007 that Cindy is alive and well. Gina clearly told Ian that her sister speaks to her every day. Ian just chose to assume she was insane," they said.
