BBC EastEnders' Cindy Beale's real attacker 'exposed' as fans work out her 'revenge' plan

EastEnders fans could be in for a double shock as the storyline surrounding Cindy Beale's attack takes an unexpected twist. After waking from her coma, Cindy was questioned by police about the assault that left her fighting for her life.

On Christmas Day, she was struck on the head with a shovel and left for dead by an unknown assailant. Suspects include her own children, partner, ex-partner, fling, love rival, and mother-in-law.

As viewers speculate about the identity of the attacker, they will have to wait until next month for the big reveal. However, Cindy claimed this week to know who attacked her, despite being hit from behind and unable to see her assailant.

Viewers learned on Tuesday that someone had found Cindy's unconscious body, turned her over, and then fled the scene. Initially, Cindy claimed to have no memory of the attack or events leading up to it, pleading with her son Peter Beale to fill her in.

So when she suddenly remembered something and accused Peter's pregnant girlfriend Lauren Branning of attacking her, leading to Lauren's arrest, it certainly raised eyebrows. Fans are now convinced that Cindy is not as innocent as she seems, reports the Mirror.

They suspect that she is pretending to have amnesia and actually remembers everything, including the true identity of her attacker.

Speculation is rife among fans whether Cindy is deliberately accusing Lauren out of spite, despite her claims of innocence. Some viewers question if Cindy's accusation is a plot for revenge, after supposedly seeing Lauren just before losing consciousness.

One viewer voiced their suspicion on social media: "It wasn't Lauren who attacked Cindy, she's saying that just because she exposed her in the pub."

Another echoed the sentiment: "Cindy is only saying it was Lauren to get back at her."

Further theories about the real culprit are circulating, with one fan suggesting: "Ian attacked Cindy."

Others have cast doubt on Lauren's arrest, with comments like: "Lauren's been arrested I don't believe she attacked Cindy ... Anna is looking guilty," and another adamant that: "I'm still convinced it's Kojo who attacked Cindy. It's always someone outside the list of suspects. Also he's the least obvious out of everyone."