At least three EastEnders characters walk out of job over pay dispute

Tensions reach boiling point in EastEnders soon as a dramatic pay dispute erupts as Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) prepares for the grand re-launch of The Albert.

However, with low-ticket sales, clashing egos and unresolved tension with Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), Cindy’s efforts to bring the community together quickly unravel, with George Knight (Colin Salmon) caught in the middle of two feuding women!

George reaches out to Cindy and attempts to help her come up with a plan to get her family back on side, but it becomes evident Elaine is jealous of George’s interference.

Cindy begins preparations for The Albert re-launch, but she receives the disappointing news from George that Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford) won’t be attending.

Felix (Matthew James Morrison) and Freddie (Bobby Brazier) reveal to Cindy how low ticket sales are, so in an attempt to get Walford talking about the launch, the trio decide to head to the square.

But the fun doesn’t last long as Cindy and Elaine get into an argument. George intervenes, stopping the two from brawling in the square.

As revenge, Elaine decides to host a karaoke night on the day of the relaunch, much to Cindy’s dismay.

But the trouble for Cindy doesn’t end there! After discovering Cindy hasn’t paid them, Felix, Freddie and the rest of the workers walk off the job.

Kojo spots Cindy is in a tight spot and offers to help, but George once again swoops in.

Gina is not pleased to see her father helping Cindy, but later agrees to get involved as it becomes clear how hard Cindy is trying.

Felix and Freddie, having jumped ship, decide to go and celebrate with Elaine in The Vic after news of Cindy’s failure reaches her.

However, the karaoke night is a flop, and Elaine is enraged to hear Cindy has managed to successfully pull off the re-launch.

Elaine decides to attend the party to get under Cindy’s skin, against Georges’ advice, but Cindy reveals that George had gone above and beyond to help her, even hiring and paying for additional staff to ensure the night was a success.

Elaine causes a scene and flees to the barrel store to seek solace.

George follows her and attempts to reason with her, but he realises there is no reasoning with Elaine, so he heads back to The Albert to celebrate and apologise for her behaviour.

Will Elaine plot a comeback or call it quits with Cindy?