EastEnders' Cindy Beale 'to shoot' major character in shocking 40th anniversary twist

In Wednesday's episode of EastEnders (January 29), a twist was revealed as Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) plotted a deadly move. Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) had thrown a brick through Cindy's window along with a threat for her mother.

Despite pleading with Cindy to believe she wasn't her Christmas Day attacker and refusing to confirm her alibi, Gina was forced to admit she'd spent Christmas night with Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) when Cindy threatened to involve the police. This revelation left Gina's sister Anna (Molly Rainford) heartbroken.

In the latest Walford drama, a fight broke out between Anna and Gina over Freddie, leading to Anna confessing she'd hidden the shovel used to attack Cindy. Fearing for her life, Cindy approached Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for a gun.

Although he refused, she secretly noted down his safe code for future use. Now, EastEnders fans are worried that Cindy might shoot Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) again.

Back in 1996, Cindy hired a hitman to shoot her husband Ian, but he only suffered a graze and survived, while Cindy ended up in prison. As the soap approaches its 40th anniversary in February, some viewers are speculating history could repeat itself, reports Plymouth Live.

One fan posted on X: "Cindy using "self defence" to get a gun. Remember the last time she got hold of a gun. Ian got shot. #Eastenders @bbceastenders."

Echoing a sentiment from the past, one viewer remarked: "The last time Cindy had a gun, she tried to shoot Ian #EastEnders."

Meanwhile, another fan pointed out: "#EastEnders Cindy claims she's never been violent, forgetting about Ian being shot!"

A different soap enthusiast couldn't resist adding their take: "Brilliant line