EastEnders fans left lost for words after it's revealed WHO sent the recording to expose Cindy's...

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Posted: 21:27 GMT, December 25, 2024 | Revised: 22:15 GMT, December 25, 2024

Viewers of EastEnders were taken aback when it was uncovered who had sent the recording to Ian Beale, revealing Cindy's affair in the first part of Wednesday night's Christmas special.

Fans of the BBC soap are aware that Cindy and Junior Knight have been working hard to hide their antics.

Throughout the day, Cindy expressed to Elaine Knight her concerns about a USB recording that contains a confession regarding her relationship with Junior.

Before going to the Queen Vic for their Christmas dinner, Lauren Branning ran into Cindy and clumsily mentioned a few of her remarks from the recording.

Lauren inquired, "Are you looking forward to Christmas at The Vic? Your former romance?"

"Make the most of it while you can, but I promise you, by this time tomorrow, you'll be facing the chill," Cindy said.

EastEnders viewers were taken aback when the identity of the person behind the USB gift was unveiled in the opening segment of Wednesday’s episode.

Ian received a USB drive that had "Play me! Festive fun for everyone" written on it. He had no idea what was included in the recording.

Lauren asked, "So you're planning to speak highly of me, right? Just as you've been doing over the past few weeks..."

She said, “Share the happiness, Ian… George… How about you, Junior? You’re not quite like Ian; you could use a little more excitement in your life.”

"You truly require it. You genuinely want it. Yet, all you're doing is repeating what you mentioned!"

When the truth clicked for the audience, they quickly headed over to X, realizing that it was Lauren who had actually given Ian the USB.

Many people drew parallels between this memorable moment and when she exposed the affair between her father, Max Branning, and Stacey Slater back in 2007.

One person posted on social media: "Oh my gosh, it's Lauren with the recordings again! She's such a troublemaker during Christmas!"

Someone else commented, "I really enjoyed the twist with Lauren tonight. It reminded me of 2007 when she revealed Max and Stacey's affair. I'm pleased they didn’t take the predictable path of having George or Junior find the USB and reveal everything. #EastEnders."

One commenter said, "You can't let a recording end up with Lauren Branning during the holidays! #EastEnders."

The truth is that it was Lauren Branning who helped Ian obtain the recording.

Ian is stunned when he discovers what Cindy has been saying about their relationship.

"Apologies, but Lauren Branning is the ultimate expert when it comes to unveiling Christmas relationships! #Eastenders," replied a fourth commenter.

One person tweeted: "Lauren Branning reveals yet another love affair during Christmas [laughing emojis] #EastEnders."

At the conclusion of the installment, Anna Knight noted that Ian had yet to unwrap one of his gifts.

A perplexed Ian informed her that he had already opened his, while Lauren observed from behind.

Upon opening it, he discovered a USB that had the phrase "Play me! Enjoy the festive fun!" written on it.

Ian requested that George play the recording over the speakers at the pub.

The Queen Vic fell quiet when Cindy stated, "There won't be anything between me and George."

Once viewers made the connection, they hurried over to X, realizing at last that it was Lauren who had given Ian the USB.

"A few months back, we shared a kiss, but that’s ancient history now."

When it comes to the kiss, she mentioned that she informed Ian, “I let him know I was under the influence and that it didn’t really matter.”

It made me realize that I genuinely have feelings for George. I expressed my feelings to him, but he rejected me.

"He turned me down, so I chose to be with Ian instead. I took the simpler route. That's why I ended up sleeping with Junior."

Everyone in the pub was stunned when she confessed that she often thinks about George while lying in bed with Junior.

Tune in to the second episode of EastEnders at 10:35 PM on BBC One.