EastEnders fans are convinced they have worked out who attacked Cindy Beale on Christmas Day after a sinister message was sent to her when she returned from hospital

EastEnders’ beloved character Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was discharged from the hospital on Thursday (January 16), following a brutal attack she suffered on Christmas Day. Earlier in the week, Cindy emerged from her coma and disclosed that she had seen Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) at the crime scene before blacking out.

Lauren, who is pregnant, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later released on bail. In a private conversation with her boyfriend Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Lauren confessed to finding Cindy unconscious in the snow that night and leaving her there.

However, due to a dose of pills, Lauren’s memory of the events of Christmas night remained hazy. Meanwhile, Peter seemed to harbour his own secrets, as he was spotted burning a blood-stained scarf on a barbecue.

EastEnders’ Cindy Beale was left terrified after a brick was thrown through her window(Image: BBC)

In the latest episode set in Walford, Cindy returned to Albert Square after her hospital discharge, forced to stay with Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) as Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) refused to let her into his home following her affair.

Cindy’s return was met with a cold reception from both the Beale and Knight families. However, it was Ravi (Aaron Thiara) who informed Cindy that Lauren had approached him for drugs, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Confronting Lauren in the cafe, Cindy was taken aback to discover that Peter was already aware of his girlfriends antics. Later in the episode, Lauren paid Cindy a visit, and the two seemed to end their ongoing disputes.

A mystery person is not pleased Cindy survived her brutal attack in EastEnders(Image: BBC)

The conscience of Lauren was finally cornered with the truth about the night of the attack weighing on her, and she knew she had to come clean. However, as she geared herself up to reveal all, a brick unexpectedly smashed through the window.

Both Cindy and Lauren were left shocked as they read the menacing message attached to the brick: “You should have stayed dead. Now I’m coming for you”, sending shockwaves through them.

EastEnders viewers have been eyeing Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) suspiciously, speculating she’s the one terrorising Cindy since she seemed unnerved by Cindy’s arrival back in the Square and even suggested she visit her mother, gift in tow.

Taking to social media, eagle-eyed fans shared their deductions, with one stating on X: “I definitely think it was Anna that hit Cindy she’s been so suss since the attack #EastEnders.”

Did Anna Knight attack her mum in EastEnders?(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Another pitched in saying: “Anna or Kojo obviously whacked her #EastEnders”, and a third joined with: “Anna being the only person to show an interest in Cindy upon her return is very suspicious #EastEnders.”

One viewer even wrote: “Anna in #EastEnders has been moving different since Cindy’s attack. I still feel that she clobbered her Mum lol”.

The theories keep rolling with another fan suggesting: “Starting to think it could be Anna or Gina, who attacked Cindy #EastEnders.”

EastEnders airs weekdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer