Cindy takes revenge on Lauren in EastEnders after huge bombshell – with a shock outcome

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 22, 2026 8:01pm Updated September 22, 2026 8:01pm Cindy takes shocking revenge (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Hell hath no fury like Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) in EastEnders, which is a lesson Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is set to find out the hard way when word of her betrayal comes spilling out. Cindy was left heartbroken earlier this month when Max Branning (Jake Wood) dumped her just hours after they tied the knot, revealing that he wasn’t truly in love with her. Max had suffered a heart attack on the day of his nuptials and ended up in hospital, hence why he decided to come clean to his new bride. I say ‘come clean’ but he conveniently withheld the fact that he’d been having an affair with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie khan Levy) for months, something which Cindy uncovered for herself cutest of Jean Slater (Gillian Wright). Ever since making the discovery, Cindy has been on the warpath, running Priya out of Walford and making it clear that she intends to take everything Max holds dear -including all his businesses. But there’s another big shock in store for her when she learns that Lauren knew of Max’s infidelity with Priya before the wedding – and failed to tell her. Lauren slaps Cindy across the face (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Peter is left reeling when Cindy attacks Lauren (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Peter (Thomas Law) learned such a thing tonight and he confronts Lauren tomorrow, demanding answers as to why she kept shtum. The situation is complicated further, however, as Cindy finds out about Lauren withholding the truth – and she’s enraged. During Harvey Monroe’s (Ross Boatman) birthday party at The Albert, chaos ensues. Without wasting a moment, Cindy publicly exposes Lauren – and takes revenge by planting the birthday cake right in her face! Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Lauren, appalled, retaliates by slapping Cindy across the face. Peter is left frustrated by the whole ting as, not for the first time in his life, he is caught between his mum and his wife once more. Families, eh? Peter is caught in the middle (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) The evening in question is a big one for Lauren as Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) arrives back in the Square, and she’s convinced he’s returned for her. Mark, however, isn’t planning on sticking around, having only come back to say goodbye. But given that we know he’s in Walford come New Year, will he leave once again only to return again? Or will something – or someone – make him stay? Deals of the Day Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale EastEnders airs these scenes Wednesday September 23 at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: EastEnders return confirmed amid shock exit as new spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: EastEnders legend Jo Joyner returns to set and fans are freaking out Arrow MORE: Max drawn into EastEnders’ Zoe death mystery as Kat seeks the truth The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.