Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins) and Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) return was met with some confusion from viewers, but writer Chris Clenshaw has already teased their involvement in the upcoming Christmas murder.

Earlier this year, the BBC soap aired a flash-forward to Christmas Day 2023 where a dead body in The Vic was surrounded by some of Walford's women.

The only thing that has been confirmed is the victim is male, and Chris Clenshaw has noted that Cindy and Ian may be involved.

Speaking to Express.co.uk and other press, he teased: "It is Ian and Cindy's first Christmas back in Walford so... but it will be a big Christmas in the Beale's house.

"We have Rocky and Cathy's nuptials which has an unexpected guest to arrive and watch out for the cufflinks around that episode."

READ MORE: EastEnders fans 'work out' Cindy Beale revenge plan as she returns

Ian actor Adam Woodyatt joked to Michelle: "I don't want cufflinks for Christmas."

Fans of the show have been theorising that the Beales are going to be involved with the murder and took to Twitter to speculate: "The killer at Christmas could not be Rose/Cindy right? right. #EastEnders."

@UnicornYeti96 commented: "Calling it: Rose is Cindy. Cindy's in police protection, hence why she can't contact the girls, and why the serious crime unit knocked on Callum's door over a search. And why no trace is on police databases. #Eastenders."

@CrysTalksVlogs added: "Cindy would surely hate Bobby for killing her daughter & won't want him anywhere near her other daughter Anna? #EastEnders."

@guppy662 asked: "#EastEnders has anyone thought this rose thing and the knight family may be a red herring, and someone completely unexpected died at Christmas?" (sic)

for the last 25 years.

Cindy was believed to have died in prison after giving birth to her daughter Cindy Beale-Williams (Mimi Keene).

However, after making a deal to become an informant she turned against her cell-mate and feared for her life.

During her time away from Walford, Cindy fell in love with and married The Vic's new landlord George Knight (Colin Salmon) and had two daughters Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford).

Cindy walked out on her family nine years ago, but how will they react when she returns to Walford with Ian?

EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday from 7:30pm on BBC One.