Two iconic EastEnders characters make a return as Cindy Beale's truth is revealed
They arrived not long after Ian Beale's grand return
Last updated 23rd Jun 2023
Two popular EastEnders characters made a surprise return to the show on Thursday's (22nd June) episode. Peter Beale and Lauren Branning made a reappearance on the popular BBC One soap following the shock confirmation that Cindy and Ian Beale would also be returning.
Cindy (Michelle Collins) was revealed to be living with her ex-husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt) in France, 25 years after she had been thought to have died in prison. Cindy was also revealed to be the true identity of Rose Knight, the long lost wife of The Queen Vic's new owner, George Knight.
However, fans got another surprise when Peter and Lauren returned to our screens, having had no idea that they would be returning. Lauren, played by Jacqueline Jossa made a grand entrance as she arrived at the Beale's family home to visit Peter and her son Louie.
Peter Beale is returning played by Thomas Law, who previously starred in the role from 2006 to 2010. Peter made a comeback to the show in 2022 but was played by Dayle Hudson. Ben Hardy played Peter from 2013 to 2015 and also played Roger Taylor in the film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Meanwhile, Lauren made a one-off reappearance for Dot Cotton's funeral. Ian Beale also made a small cameo at Dot's funeral, but last made a regular appearance in 2021.
Fans were thrilled to see Peter and Lauren back on the soap, taking to Twitter to share their excitement. One person said: 'One of the best episodes of #EastEnders I've ever watched.
'Loved Lauren and Peter's return alongside Cindy and Ian. The 1990s feel and little nods to history were great too. I'm so glad that the original Peter Beale (Thomas Law) is returning. Fully here for the Beales revival.' Someone else added: 'Cindy Beale back from the dead, Ian Beale selling baguettes, the original Peter Beale and Lauren Branning. I need time to process all this.'
Another viewer said: 'this is literally like watching eastenders back in 2015, lauren, ian and peter.' Someone else wrote: 'THEY'VE RECAST THOMAS AS PETER AND JAC AS LAUREN. THIS ISN'T A DRILL. THE BEST LAUREN AND PETER DUO INCOMING.'
Take a look at some actors who have switched soaps:
Gemma Atkinson
Before leaving the world of soap for radio, Gemma Atkinson played the role Lisa Hunter on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2005.
The actress then joined Emmerdale in 2015, playing the character Carly Hope.
Gemma then made a return to Hollyoaks as Lisa Hunter in 2022.
David Neilson
You'll recognise David Neilson as popular Coronation Street character Roy Cropper! But before David joined the Cobbles, the actor appeared on EastEnders in the early 1990s!
Sue Nicholls
Coronation Street legend Sue Nicholls (or Audrey Roberts as you may know her), has been on the ITV soap since 1979, but the actress also played a part on Crossroads between 1964–68.
Ross Kemp
Before playing the role of the infamous Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, hard-man Ross Kemp played Graham Lodsworth in Emmerdale for 22 episodes!
Ray Quinn
When Ray Quinn joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2018, many thought it was his first acting role, with a lot of people only knowing him for his stint on The X Factor.
However, Ray was actually a child actor way before his singing career, playing the role of Anthony Murray in Brookside between 2000-2003.
Catherine Tyldesley
Back in 2010, Catherine Tyldesley played the role of Abi Peterson in Emmerdale. Her stint on the show didn't last long, with the actress going on to land the role of Eva Price in Coronation Street, a role she played for seven years.
Jamie Lomas
Jamie Lomas was known as Hollyoaks bad boy Warren Fox on and off between 2006 and 2018. Between this role, Jamie joined the cast of EastEnders as Jake Stone... Before making a return to Hollyoaks again in 2019.
We can't keep up!
Danniella Westbrook
Danniella Westbrook first found fame when she was cast as Samantha Mitchell in EastEnders in the 90s. Due to personal struggles and addictions, Danniella was axed from the role, before returning for four episodes in 2016.
The actress later joined the cast of Hollyoaks, playing Trudy Ryan in 2013... Until she was axed not long after.
Nikki Sanderson
Nikki Sanderson joined the cast of Coronation Street in 1999, playing the role of Candice Stowe for 397 episodes. In 2012, Nikki joined Hollyoaks, where she's been known as Maxine Minniver for over 400 episodes.
Alex Fletcher
She's known as Diane O'Connor in Hollyoaks right now, but before joining the soap in 2010, Alex actually appeared on Brookside between 1990 and 2003.
Michelle Collins
If you're a fan of BBC soap EastEnders, you'll remember Michelle Collins bursting onto the scene as Cindy Beale in 1988.
After her character was killed off in 1998, Michelle went on to join Coronation Street, playing the role of Stella Price for 447 episodes.
Chris Fountain
Before Chris Fountain released an offensive rap video online, he was best known as playing the role of Justin Burton in Hollyoaks.
Two years after leaving the Oaks, Justin landed a role on Coronation Street as Tommy Duckworth, but he was sacked in 2013 for 'that' video.
Adele Silva
You'll probably recognise Adele for portraying the role of Kelly Windsor in Emmerdale between 1993-2000, but the actress later joined Hollyoaks as Angela Brown in 2015.
Gemma BIssex
Gemma Bissex has made a career out of playing the 'villain' character in soaps. After making her soap debut in 1993 as Clare Bates in EastEnders, Gemma went on to join the cast of Hollyoaks, playing the equally as evil character Clare Devine.
Adam Rickett
Adam's Coronation Street character Nick Tilsley was adored by fans between 1997 to 1999, and again between 2002 to 2004.
After going on to try out a pop career, Adam returned to the world of soap in 2017, joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Kyle Kelly. However, in 2020 his character was killed off by bosses.
Claire King
Actress Claire King was loved by Emmerdale fans between 1989–1999, as she played the role of the infamous Kim Tate. Before making her return to the soap in 2018, Claire had a small role in Hollyoaks in 2005.
As if this wasn't enough, Claire played the role of Erica Holroyd in Coronation Street from 2014 until 2017.
Anthony Quinlan
Before joining Emmerdale in 2013 as character Pete Barton, Anthony Quinlan was one of the most popular Hollyoaks character with fans, playing the role of Gilly Roach between 2005-2011.
Angela Griffin
Angela made her soap debut playing the role of Fiona Middleton in Coronation Street in 1992. The actress then joined Emmerdale as Tina in 1993, but she only lasted two episodes.
Gillian Taylforth
Popular actress Gillian Taylforth joined the cast of EastEnders way back in 1985 as Ian Beale's mum Kathy Beale. However, Gillian's character was killed off in a tragic car accident in 2006.
Gillian then joined Hollyoaks in 2013 playing mum-of-five Sandy Roscoe. But here is the confusing bit... EastEnders fans were left shocked to the core in 2015 when she made a return to the soap as Kathy Beale!
That's the world of soaps for you!
Sherrie Hewson
Sherrie Hewson first started her soap career on Coronation Street way back in 1993, playing the role of Maureen Webster. The actress then joined Crossroads as Virginia Raven in 2001, before going on to Lesley Meredith in Emmerdale in 2004.
Gaynor Faye
Gaynor Faye has been lucky enough to land two major roles in two major soaps! Before joining the cast of Emmerdale as Megan Macey in 2012, Gaynor was best know for playing Judy Mallett in Coronation Street.
James Sutton
James Sutton appeared on and off in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks as John Paul McQueen for nearly 500 episodes, before he jumped ship and landed the role of Ryan Lamb in Emmerdale in 2009.
James still makes a number of appearances in Hollyoaks, with the McQueen family still very popular with fans.
Sheree Murphy
Not only did Sheree land roles in both Emmerdale (Tricia Dingle) and Hollyoaks (Eva Strong), the actress has also appeared in Australian soap Neighbours as Dakota Davies.
Lucy-Jo Hudson
Lucy-Jo's character Katy Harris was very popular with Coronation Street fans between 2002-2005. However, her character was tragically killed of in a suicide storyline in 2005.
In 2018, Lucy-Jo returned to the world of soaps, joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Donna-Marie Quinn.
Chris Bisson
You'll recognise Chris Bisson as Jai Sharma in Emmerdale, but the actor played the role of Vikram Desai in Coronation Street between 1999–2002.
Hayley Tamaddon
As well as playing the role of Del Dingle in Emmerdale, Hayley also starred in Coronation Street, portraying the character Andrea Beckett.
John Middleton
He's best known for his role as vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale (between 1996 to 2017), but actor John actually appeared in Coronation Street as John Hargreaves in 1993.
Kirsty-Leigh Porter
She's played the role of Leela Lomax in Hollyoaks since 2013, but Kirsty-Leigh has also appeared in both Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
She played the role of Zoe Willson in Coronation Street and Roz Fielding in Emmerdale.
Katie McGlynn
Katie played the role of Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street for six years between 2013-2019, but after leaving the soap, the actress joined Hollyoaks in July 2021 as Becky.
Natalie Anderson
Natalie was best known for her role as Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale between 2010-2015.
After a six-year gap from the world of soaps, Natalie joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2021, playing the role of Lexi.
Stephanie Davis
Stephanie Davis appeared as Sinead O'Connor between 2010-2015 in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, before returning in 2019 for another year.
After leaving the soap and taking some time out of showbiz, it was announced in May 2023 that Stephanie had landed a role in Coronation Street, as character Courtney Vance.
Paula Lane
Paula played the role of Kylie Platt on Corrie from 2010 to 2016, with her character Kylie leaving the show in a dramatic exit storyline after being murdered by Clayton Hibbs.
In November 2023, it was announced that Paula would be joining Emmerdale, taking on the role of Ella Forster.
Rita Simons
Rita Simons played the iconic role of Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders between 2007-2017, before returning to the soap in both 2019 and 2023.
In 2024, it was announced that Rita had landed the role of Marie Fielding in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.
Gemma Merna
Actress Gemma Merna played the iconic role of Carmel McQueen in Hollyoaks between 2006 to 2014, with her character killed off in an explosive train accident in November 2014.
Fast-forward 10 years and Gemma has revealed she's landed her 'dream job' on Coronation Street. Sharing this photo of herself outside the Rovers Return Inn, Gemma told fans on Instagram: 'I've been keeping a little secret đź¤I am thrilled to announce that I've landed my dream job on @coronationstreet ! 🤩 Can you believe it?! I've wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl. Being born and bred in Manchester, it's truly a dream come true for me'. (sic)
Jacob Roberts
Former Hollyoaks actor Jacob Roberts, who played the role of Damon Kinsella in the Channel 4 soap between 2017-2023, joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2024. Jacob was cast as the secret son of Bernie Winter.
Oliver Farnworth
Oliver Farnworth appeared in Hollyoaks playing the role of Will Hackett from September 2006 to May 2007, before he joined the cast of Corrie as Andy Carver in 2014. After leaving the cobbles in 2017, it was announced in July 2024 that Oliver would be joining the cast of Emmerdale, playing the role of John Sugden.
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