EastEnders fans point out huge Grant Mitchell coincidence in new Christmas trailer exposing Cindy

EastEnders is set to see another dramatic Christmas Day this year as Cindy Beale’s affair is set to be exposed but some fans have been left comparing the plot to an iconic episode

EastEnders is set for another dramatic Christmas Day as all hell is set to break loose thanks to Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins).

As fans of the BBC soap will know, Cindy has been having an affair with former step-son Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) and their secret is about to be exposed in remarkable fashion, but fans have pointed out a coincidence to an iconic episode.

The new teaser confirms festive joy will be short-lived in Walford when George Knight’s (Colin Salmon) Christmas lunch ends in devastation as incriminating evidence of Cindy’s affair has falls into the wrong hands. Cindy isn’t exactly well-liked among her Albert Square neighbours, but who is blackmailing her?

**George makes a toast on Christmas Day before a secret is dropped** (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) opens the tiny present revealing a USB stick. When it’s played, the shocking truth about Cindy’s secret is revealed as the Beale family watch on. EastEnders fans have been left comparing the Christmas Day plot to ‘Sharongate’, when Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) affair gripped the nation gripped in 1994.

Nearly 30 million fans watched the Queen Vic moment that saw Sharon Mitchell’s affair with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) exposed by her husband Grant (Ross Kemp).

He managed to get a taped recording of Sharon confessing to sleeping with his brother and ripping off his clothes. Getting his revenge, Grant showed up at the pub where Sharon was hosting Phil and Kathy’s (Gillian Taylforth) engagement party.

**The ‘Sharongate’ storyline gripped the nation** (Image: BBC)

But in front of everyone, Grant replaced the music with Sharon’s confession – leaving residents in shock. However, fast forward 30 years and history is set to repeat itself as Cindy will also be exposed for her affair by an audio message.

EastEnders fans have taken to social media to compare Sharongate with Cindy’s drama.

One person wrote: “Who combined Sharongate & Lauren’s festive present surprise (Outing Max & Stacey’s affair) to out Cindy. Can we get a cat fight between Kathy & Cindy then Kathy can bold patch Cindy like she did Sharon. But seriously I need to know who is behind outing Cindy.”

**Grant Mitchell exposed Sharon and Phil’s affair in 1994** (Image: BBC)

A second said: “Just like Sharon Phil and Grant with the interview Michelle did with Sharon.”

A third exclaimed: “Audio played in the Vic about an affair yet again.”

“Oh it’s gonna be like Sharongate all over again and I am here for it!!!! #EastEnders”, said another. While one fan pointed out: “30th Anniversary since Sharongate.”

EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.