EastEnders has aired a cruel twist involving Cindy Beale ahead of Bobby's exit story, in the show's latest episode. Bobby has a decision to make.
After finding out she was pregnant, Anna decided to have an abortion without telling her boyfriend Bobby. Freddie, who found out about Anna's pregnancy, had offered her support, and they later shared a kiss just as Bobby walked in. In today's episode, Bobby wrongly assumed that Freddie was the father of Anna's baby, and when Freddie tried to explain himself outside The Vic, Bobby attacked him.
Anna and Bobby gatecrashed Louie's birthday celebrations with their argument, and the Beales found out about both Anna's pregnancy and her betrayal. But when Cindy and Kathy investigated further, Anna revealed that she had already started the termination, leaving Bobby devastated.
At The Vic, Cindy reiterated her dislike of Bobby to Anna – viewers will remember that Bobby killed her daughter Lucy when he was a child. Bobby arrived to speak to his girlfriend and Anna explained that she didn't want a baby, regardless of who the father was. But Anna recognised that there was no way back for them, and she ended their relationship.
Freddie sought advice from Jean about his feelings for Anna, and she reminded him that friends were more important than fleeting romances. Meanwhile, Anna spoke to George and he encouraged his daughter to stick with Bobby if she wants to be with him.
Cindy and Ian argued about the situation and their disagreement became personal, as Ian brought up Cindy's previous affairs with Simon and David. Freddie came over to see Bobby and told him that he would ignore his feelings for Anna, as their friendship meant more to him. But Bobby wasn't impressed by his actions and declared their friendship over.
At the pub, Cindy felt frustrated when Anna told her that she wanted to be with Bobby – but she eventually accepted her decision, suggesting that she give Bobby some time first before going to speak to him. Cindy then went to see Bobby and cruelly lied to him, saying that Anna had admitted she has feelings for Freddie.
"Anna and Freddie will tiptoe around you at first," she said, "but after a while, they'll forget about your feelings. It'll break your heart to see them together, living on the Square."
Bobby then suggested that he could go and stay with his mum Jane in the Cotswolds, and Cindy encouraged him to start a new life away from Walford.
Will Cindy's cruel scheme lead to Bobby's exit from Walford?
The Aftermath of a Shocking Discovery
The episode unfolded with a heavy dose of drama, following Anna's discovery of her pregnancy. This unexpected twist sent shockwaves through the storyline, putting a strain on the relationship between Bobby and Anna. The discovery of Anna's pregnancy led to her decision to terminate the pregnancy, which further complicated the situation with Bobby and Freddie.
Freddie's Unrequited Feelings
Freddie's attraction to Anna has been a constant source of tension, particularly after Bobby found out about their kiss. Freddie's initial attempts to distance himself from Anna fell apart as he couldn't help but worry about her wellbeing. He found himself drawn to her, but struggled with the guilt of potentially betraying his best friend.
Cindy's Cruel Scheme: A Blow to Bobby's Heart
While Freddie grappled with his feelings, Cindy took a different approach. She capitalized on the already fragile situation and used her own manipulative tactics to further push Bobby away from Anna. Cindy's venomous words and lies planted seeds of doubt in Bobby's mind, fueling his insecurities and potentially leading him to Walford. She twisted the truth, portraying Anna as a betrayer, and exploiting Bobby's vulnerability. Her actions are driven by a deep resentment toward Bobby, stemming from the death of her daughter, Lucy, which he was responsible for.
A New Life Awaits?
Bobby, torn apart by Anna's decision and Cindy's manipulations, began considering a fresh start away from the Square. Cindy's suggestion to move in with his mother in the Cotswolds provided a seemingly easy escape from the heartbreak. Will Bobby be able to escape the ghosts of the past and move on? Or will he remain in Walford, grappling with the emotional aftermath of Anna's betrayal and Cindy's machinations?
The episode ends with an air of uncertainty, leaving viewers to wonder what the future holds for Bobby and Anna. The fallout from their tumultuous relationship and Cindy's manipulative actions are sure to have long-lasting consequences, potentially altering the dynamics of the entire Beale family.