EastEnders teases ANOTHER return from a former fan-favourite character!

*This article contains spoilers for tonight's (Thursday, July 18) episode of EastEnders on BBC iPlayer and is yet to air on TV*

EastEnders fans have been spoiled with returns of some old favourite characters in the last couple of weeks.

And in tonight's episode there's mention of another fan-fave whose name hasn't been mentioned for years!

Gita Kapoor!

Gita was the centre of all sorts of drama during her time in Albert Square. She suffered post-natal depression, discovered her husband Sanjay was cheating with her sister, and even disappeared for a long time, causing Sanjay to be accused of murdering her!

Oh and she was good friends with Cindy Beale - who mentions her in tonight's episode, when she tells Ian she's arranged to meet up with her old pal.

In recent weeks we've had the news that Chrissie Watts and David Wicks are returning to Albert Square, and a mention of Masood Ahmed.

And earlier this week we saw the return of Jane Beale - Ian's ex-wife and Bobby's adopted mum.

She sent shockwaves through the Beale family and even caused Ian to stand up to Cindy for once, and tell her he was done.

Upset, Cindy decided Ian was the one for her, calling him her anchor, and the couple decided to have a fresh start.

But in tonight's episode, Cindy's already fed up! When Elaine and George hand out 'save the date' sweet cones reminding everyone of their wedding date - booked for November - Cindy is clearly rattled.

Later, Ian plans a special Beales meal, inviting Peter, Lauren and Louie to spend the evening with him and Cindy.

Peter, who's feeling guilty about not being around for Lauren, presents his girlfriend with a snazzy, leather-bound journal to celebrate her new job at the car lot.

Cindy watches on in disdain - her dislike of Lauren apparent!

But she perks up a bit when Ian says he's got a grand gesture of his own. Except instead of giving her a romantic gift, Ian shows Cindy he's synced their online calendars.

That's when Cindy announces she forgot she'd made arrangements for that evening.

"You know what? I forgot I'm meeting Gita for a drink," she says. "Remember Gita? My old best friend? We've been in contact and I totally forgot with everything that's gone on this week."

And off she goes!

But long-time EastEnders fans, hoping to see the return of Gita, who left the Square back in 1998, will be disappointed!

Cindy's not meeting her old friend. In fact, she calls Junior Knight, who swings round in his fancy car to pick her up.

Junior questions whether Cindy calling him is to do with his dad announcing his wedding date, but Cindy says, she and George are over and he can do what he likes.

"And Ian?" says Junior. "What happened to family?"

"Sometimes having an anchor just pulls you down," says Cindy.

Junior tells her he wants her to be sure, and to say the word.

"Drive," says Cindy. And off they go!

It seems the affair is on! (And we're going to have to wait a bit longer for any Gita comeback!)

EastEnders airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One. Check our TV Guide for more information.