EastEnders fans have been left increasingly uneasy about newcomer Jasmine after tonight’s early BBC iPlayer-released episode hinted that her fascination with Cindy Beale may not be as innocent as it seems.
The mysterious young woman, who appeared in Walford earlier this autumn, has quickly integrated herself into life around The Queen Vic. But this week, her charm began to raise eyebrows, and her latest actions suggest her connection to Cindy could run far deeper than she’s letting on.
The episode opens with Lauren walking in on Elaine Peacock and Oscar in The Vic, appearing to flirt. However, their banter was just to make Lauren feel uncomfortable and cringe at her brother’s actions. The pair are actually comparing notes, convinced that Jasmine’s interest in Cindy was more than mere admiration.
Elaine has been suspicious for weeks, noticing Jasmine’s habit of asking pointed questions about Cindy and her past. Oscar, meanwhile, admits he’d tried to look her up online but found almost nothing, no social media, no public information, nothing to explain who she really is or why she’s so interested in Cindy.
As they discuss their theory, Jasmine suddenly appears in the doorway and overhears everything. Furious and humiliated, she storms out of the pub.
Oscar later finds Jasmine alone on the swings at the playground and tries to make peace. In a calm but emotional exchange, Jasmine explains that her lack of online presence was due to her strict parents, who heavily controlled her social media and online activity.
She insists she has nothing to hide, telling Oscar she simply admires Cindy and looks up to her strength and independence. The explanation seems to satisfy Oscar, who apologises for snooping and promises to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Jasmine appears to forgive him, but moments later, her behaviour takes another unsettling turn. Pretending she urgently needs the toilet, she asks to borrow Oscar’s house keys. As soon as she walks away, her expression shifts. The panic vanishes, replaced by something colder and more calculating as she heads toward his house.
By the time the Slaters’ Halloween party is in full swing, Jasmine has switched back into charm mode. She arrives at the event looking relaxed and upbeat, seemingly having put the earlier confrontation behind her.
When she spots Peter Beale, she strikes up casual conversation and subtly steers the topic toward Cindy. Then comes her next move: Jasmine asked Peter if she could stay at his place for a while, ‘until she’s sorted her own place,’ even suggesting she could use Cindy’s room while she was away.
Peter hesitates, clearly taken aback by the request. But before he can answer, Oscar jumps in, saying it’s a great idea and that Jasmine could stay with them temporarily. Keen to impress her, and perhaps still feeling guilty about their earlier row, Oscar pleads with Peter to say yes.
After some thought, Peter reluctantly agrees, but only on the condition that Lauren is comfortable with it.
While Oscar appears smitten, viewers can tell that Jasmine’s motives are more complicated. Her growing obsession with Cindy, combined with her attempts to insert herself into the Beales’ lives, raises serious questions about what she’s really after.
Earlier episodes have already hinted at an unhealthy fixation, from Jasmine memorising details about Cindy’s past to hanging around places linked to her. Tonight’s episode reinforces the idea that Jasmine’s admiration may actually mask something much darker.
Her decision to lie to Oscar to gain access to his house, coupled with her eagerness to move into Cindy’s room, will leave fans speculating online about her true identity. What is Jasmine hiding?
With Peter now reluctantly agreeing to let her stay, Jasmine is closer than ever to the Beales. The question is: why?
Is her obsession with Cindy simply admiration taken too far, or is she part of something much bigger?
