EastEnders fans point out huge 'plot hole' as Max and Cindy face off at Jimmy's christening

Cindy didn't see that one coming
Joel Harley

Max Branning and Cindy Beale officially met in EastEnders tonight (Monday, December 29)… mere days after hooking up on Christmas night. The pair shared a steamy (or at least steamed) liaison at The Albert, both unaware of the other’s identity.

They shared a surprising reunion when Max decided to crash Jimmy’s christening tonight, which is when the truth finally came out. This will come as a big shock to Cindy – who realises that she’d been intimate with the man who she thinks killed her son.

But did it really make sense?

Max stands with Cindy and Ian at Lauren's Christening
Cindy and Max shared an unexpected reunion (Credit: BBC)

Max crashed the christening tonight

Following the events of Christmas, Lauren and Peter were keen to forge ahead with Jimmy’s christening. First order of business – telling Max that he’s not welcome, out of fear of what a Max and Cindy confrontation might look like.

However, after getting a really thoughtful gift from Max, Lauren had second thoughts, and re-invited him to the christening.

It wasn’t long before he was uninvited again, after another bombshell from Jack. It turns out Abi Jr. was now with Tanya after Max had lost her, while he was off sleeping with a neighbour.

After a word of advice from Linda (via his trying to hit on Marie), Max decided to attend the christening anyway. With the congregation gathered, Max sauntered in mid-ceremony, sidling up to Cindy in the pews.

Recognising each other from Christmas Night, the penny finally dropped. But what fireworks will fly?

Max and Cindy in The Albert on EastEnders
It didn’t take them long (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders fans point out ‘plot hole’ in Max and Cindy hookup

Whatever the aftermath might be, some fans have expressed surprise that it ever managed to get this far. After all, shouldn’t Max and Cindy at least know what the other looks like, given how intertwined the two families are?

“It’s pathetic that Cindy supposedly doesn’t know what Max looks like,” wrote one fan on X.

“I still don’t understand how I’m supposed to believe that Cindy and Max don’t know what each other look like,” said another.

A third agreed: “And max has never seen a photo of Cindy or Cindy seen one of Max.”

Know thy enemy indeed.

What else happened in EastEnders tonight?

As Max and Cindy shared an awkward reunion in EastEnders tonight, the repercussions from Christmas were also felt by another family. With Zoe still being held by the police, Kat tried everything in her power to clear her daughter's name.

Meanwhile, an emotional Patrick demanded answers, and both Harry and Ravi returned to Walford.

Here's everything else that happened in EastEnders tonight.

Kat and Patrick searched for answers

At the station, Zoe received a visit from Phil's lawyer, Ritchie. She informed her that the police had found two injuries on Anthony's body, meaning that Chrissie could have been responsible.

Afterwards, Zoe called Kat, and begged her to keep Jasmine from the police. Taking matters into her own hands, Kat decided to track Chrissie down herself.

Meanwhile, a distraught Patrick stood vigil outside The Queen Vic, demanding answers from the police. Getting nowhere, he took a trip to the police station where his quest for the truth continued.

After meeting with Sam at the café, Kat returned home, where the truth about Jasmine's true identity and the stalking campaign came out. She attempted to defend Jasmine from her furious family when Patrick arrived, demanding answers - before breaking down in Kat's arms.

Outside, Kat was horrified to receive a call from Ritchie - the police were charging Zoe with murder.

Harry's out for blood

Having given Walford a wide berth for the last few weeks, Ravi was back in town, and shared a happy reunion with his family. He wasn't the only one who'd returned - Harry was also back, and fresh from his stint in rehab.

Gina was keen to catch up, but Harry was forced to let her down, telling her that he had to steer clear of any romantic entanglements while he was in recovery.

Besides, he had other things on his mind. Ravi - who's life appeared to be on the up. Harry simmered with fury as he watched Ravi laughing and joking with his family.

And Ravi had good reason to be happy. He was making waves in his mission to quit the drug business, and had secured a flat for himself and his family.

Watching this joyous exchange, Harry plotted his revenge.

But what does Harry have planned?

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.