Elaine Peacock’s days as the queen of The Vic may be over—but the story of this fierce, resilient woman is far from finished. In a stunning twist that’s already stirring buzz among EastEnders fans, Elaine is heading back behind the bar next week… and this time, she won’t be doing it alone.

The new twist? Her partner is none other than Cindy Beale—yes, the very woman she once couldn’t stand.

Viewers will remember how Elaine’s world turned upside down earlier this month when she and daughter Linda Carter sold off the Queen Vic. The historic boozer, once the heart of Elaine’s identity and pride, is now under new management: Kat Moon (née Slater) has officially taken over as the new landlady. And while Kat’s larger-than-life presence has changed the vibe of the pub, it’s the absence of Elaine’s commanding warmth behind the bar that’s left a noticeable gap.

Elaine has tried to keep a brave face. But in next week’s scenes, cracks begin to show.

While stopping by The Vic—her former kingdom—for a quiet drink, Elaine shares a heartfelt conversation with longtime friend Yolande Trueman. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability as she confesses just how much she misses the pub, the energy, and the feeling of belonging. She doesn’t just miss the job. She misses home.

And just when it seems like her days behind the bar are truly over, fate throws her a curveball.

In a move no one could have predicted, Elaine finds herself pulling pints again—this time at The Albert, a very different bar with very different clientele. But she’s not there as a customer. She’s stepping in to help during a chaotic evening, offering a steady hand during a staffing crisis.

Who owns The Albert now? Cindy Beale.

Yes, that Cindy. The same Cindy who’s long been a thorn in Elaine’s side. The same Cindy who’s struggled to gain trust and friendship in Walford since her shocking return from the dead.

Since the exit of Felix Baker, The Albert has been floundering—understaffed and overstretched. On a busy night, Cindy’s desperation collides with Elaine’s experience, and something unexpected happens: they work well together.

Against all odds, these two strong-willed women find common ground. Elaine brings calm, class, and control. Cindy brings edge, ambition, and a thirst to prove herself. Their clash of styles doesn’t result in fireworks—it sparks opportunity.

By the end of the shift, Cindy is so impressed that she does the unthinkable: she offers Elaine a job. Not just a bartender shift, but a co-manager position.

The offer stuns Elaine. Is it a genuine gesture of partnership? A sneaky power move? Or something in between?

For viewers, it’s a delicious setup. Two polar opposites with a shared goal—but entirely different motivations. Cindy is trying to rebuild her life and earn credibility. Elaine is searching for purpose after losing her role at The Vic. Together, they may just ignite a new chapter in Walford’s nightlife scene—but only if they can survive each other.

Fans have already begun speculating about what this partnership could mean. Could this be the beginning of a truce between two iconic EastEnders women—or the start of another epic feud with higher stakes? Will Linda feel betrayed? And how will Kat react when her former rival makes a surprise comeback just down the street?

One thing’s for sure—The Albert is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

As Elaine steps into this unexpected new role, it’s not just about pouring drinks. It’s about reclaiming her strength, finding joy in the chaos again, and proving that even after a loss, you can find your way back to who you truly are.

And as for Cindy? She may finally have found the ally she never knew she needed.