Michelle Collins and Adam Woodyatt tease 'explosive' Christmas as they confirm Cindy and Ian's involvement in flashforward episode

The Beales will take centre stage this Christmas
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

EastEnders stars Michelle Collins and Adam Woodyatt have teased details of an ‘explosive’ Christmas Day for the Beales and the Brannings, ahead of the soap’s New Year flashforward. Joining Scott Mills on his breakfast show today (Monday, December 15), the actors shared a few tantalising titbits ahead of next week’s Christmas episodes.

This included the promise that Ian and Cindy will both play a part in the much-hyped New Year flashforward… as well as a cameo from, uh, Scott Mills too.

But what else can fans expect from EastEnders over the coming weeks?

Ian wears a Christmas jumper as he and Kathy talk to Max on EastEnders
Max causes chaos at Christmas (Credit: BBC)

Michelle Collins teases ‘explosive’ EastEnders Christmas for Ian and Cindy

As Scott quizzed Michelle and Adam over this year’s Christmas Day episode, he queried whether viewers might expect ‘fireworks’ at the dinner table.

“Absolutely. Yes,” said Michelle, as Adam interjected: “We’re guaranteed to get drunk Kathy.”

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Sharing a bit more, Michelle revealed: “Cindy’s been away, but Cindy comes back… and it becomes a little bit explosive.”

EastEnders spoilers for Christmas Day have already revealed that Max joins the Brannings and the Beales for Christmas Day. Cindy, meanwhile, finds herself an outcast as the families attempt to keep her and Max apart for as long as possible.

And, with baby Jimmy’s christening on the horizon, the stage is set for EastEnders’ imminent Max Branning flashforward.

Max looks suspicious as he stands at a window in his wedding suit
Max’s New Year flashforward is coming (Credit: BBC)

Ian and Cindy will be involved in flashforward, stars reveal

When questioned about the soap’s upcoming flashforward episode, Adam hinted that even he and Michelle were in the dark as to what its events mean.

“We were all out on the lot filming, and in the studio,” Adam revealed. “And you’re literally thinking, ‘why am I looking at this person?'”

He added: “We’re going to go on a journey like the viewers over the next year and find out how we’ve ended up at this point.”

Michelle agreed, telling Scott: “Doing a scene and you don’t know why you’re doing it. Very odd. It’s going to be amazing… It’s a brave move to do.”

The precise details of Max’s flashforward remain unknown (even, it seems to the stars). What we do know, however, is that Scott Mills will have a part to play in it too.

“I am part of the New Year EastEnders,” Scott revealed. He then hinted that his role would be voice only. Someone listening to his show on New Year’s Day 2027, perhaps?

Tune in to Max’s very special flashforward episode to find out!

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