Adam Woodyatt says he and Michelle Collins couldn't have worked any harder to try and keep Ian and Cindy Beale's EastEnders reunion under wraps.
In epic soap scenes, which aired last night, viewers discovered Cindy is actually alive and well – despite Ian being told that she died in childbirth whilst in prison around 25 years ago.
Fans were left reeling after the news that the Walford legend – played by Michelle Collins – was sat in France having a glass of wine and she was behind the real identity of none other than Rose Knight, the estranged wife of new Queen Vic resident George Knight.
However, before the scenes aired the news of Cindy's return to Albert Square was leaked.
Many viewers are now totally convinced they know why Cindy is back in the TV storyline they're all talking about what is to come for Cindy. Ian is also back, even if he hasn't been away as long as his former wife.
Adam, who plays long-serving Ian on the Square, has given an insight into the work the pair did to keep the huge twist a secret.
The actor took to Instagram to upload a photo of himself and Michelle sat in a pub both wearing hats, looking like they're trying to keep a low profile.
Adam captioned the snap: "We did everything we could to keep the return of Ian & Cindy on @bbceastenders a surprise. On a cold night back in January, @chris_clenshaw said I know a quiet pub where we can meet… look what’s on the TV!!"
In the background of the image, the EastEnders credits are seen rolling on a TV screen placed behind the pair.
Plenty of the show's former stars were quick to comment over the epic return of Cindy and Ian.
Jacqueline Jossa, who played Lauren Branning in the BBC show, simply replied: "Iconic!"
Cliff Parisi, who previously played unlucky-in-love Minty Peterson, commented: "Can't wait."
Last night fans swamped Twitter with theories and suspicions and while the guesswork was flying, while some insisted they knew Cindy was set to make a return.
"We all knew it was Cindy Beale… but I can’t wait for the fireworks from Kathy, Sharon and what does this mean for Bobby? Will Cindy want revenge for Lucy? Is Lucy’s death the reason she abandoned her new family! #EastEnders," one viewer wrote.
A second added: "Wonder how'd she'd react to Bobby? Knowing he killed her Lucy...#EastEnders," whilst a third penned online: "So Bobby killed Lucy Cindy's daughter, does she know? #EastEnders."
"I wonder if cindy even knows about lucy’s death? surely this must call for a peter return too, especially with bobby getting back in contact with him #EastEnders," a fourth shared.
Speaking at a press event, Michelle – who played Cindy over 20 years ago and is reprising her role again – revealed: "Do you know what, I didn’t think they could ever do it. Life is about timing. If it had happened five years ago, I probably would’ve said no.
"Adam and I were both touring and he’d mentioned it to me. I said to my agent, 'Obviously it’s ridiculous, but let’s just go and meet Chris'. And we had this breakfast meeting and he got his laptop out and he reeled it off and we both went, 'Wow.'"
She added: "Oh my God. It was incredible. And I was just like, 'actually, maybe this could work'."
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