It’s been a long time since we saw Michelle Collins in EastEnders, but that is all about to the change soon as the show alum is making a much-anticipated return.
The 61-year-old actress shot to fame playing one of the BBC One soap’s most iconic characters – Cindy Beale.
And it’s fair to say the feisty blonde bombshell, who was in a relationship with Ian Beale, caused quite a stir during her stint on the soap from 1998 until 1998.
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As fans will remember, while giving birth to twins Lucy Beale and Peter Beale, conniving Cindy died away from Albert Square during childbirth.
She was also serving time in prison for attempting to murder Ian at the time.
But in a major turn of events Michelle will be reprising her role as Cindy – 25 years since her off-screen death.
So, as viewers eagerly wait to see her face pop up in Albert Square again, Daily Star is taking a deep dive into her life.
TV beginnings
(Image: BBC)
Cindy became one of the most popular villains in the show, and Michelle spent a good decade, on and off, playing the man-eating character.
But Cindy was originally supposed to feature in a mere 11 episodes of the soap – and because she was that much of a hit with fans her contract was extended.
Before becoming an EastEnders legend though, she appeared in shows like ITV’s The Bill and Full House – before her big break came in 1988.
Real reason for EastEnders exit
(Image: BBC)
However, in 1998, Michelle said goodbye to Albert Square and walked away from the soap – with her character getting killed off while off-screen in prison.
And it turns out there was a specific reason as to why Michelle thought it was time to call it quits on the BBC soap.
She told Inside Soap in 2022: “You don’t need dramas in your real life when you are playing a character like Cindy! I decided to leave because I felt I needed to get away from the drama of Cindy and the life I was having.”
She went on: “It was lovely because I had great storylines, but it was constant and really full-on. I wanted to get away from being Cindy 24/7.”
Corrie stint
(Image: ITV / Rex Features)
Swapping Albert Square for the famous cobbles, in 2011 Michelle joined the cast of Coronation Street as new Rovers’ landlady Stella Price – who was also mum to Leanne Battersby.
Her first scenes aired on 16th June and the character became a hit with viewers.
She ended up quitting the show though, two years later in August – with the character’s final scenes airing the following April.
Toyboy husband
(Image: Shutterstock)
Michelle found herself splashed all over the headlines in 2012 when she started dating her beau Mike Davidson.
The actress is 22 years older than her toyboy man, and the pair got engaged and married last year – with Michelle looking sensational in an age-defying white jumpsuit.
Among the attendees at her wedding was her soap ex Adam Woodyatt, who played the iconic role of Ian Beale in the soap.
previously spoken about the criticism she faced dating a younger man, and told the Daily Star she was fed up of the sexist treatment.
She has previously opened up about the uproar she faced for dating a younger man.
(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
“Mike is 22 years younger than me and I’m regarded as a predator. It drives me mad,” the actress fumed to the Daily Star.
“He turned to me the other day and said, ‘Surely I’m ) not still your toyboy, am I?'”
Prior to finding “the one”, Michelle had relationships with cameraman Mark Waters and she was also engaged to Parry Cockwell.
Michelle also shares daughter Maia Rose with ex Fabrizio Tassalini.
Huge countryside home
(Image: michelledcollins/Instagram)
It seems Michelle has reaped the rewards of her hard work and decades in the business – as she lives in a gorgeous huge countryside home with her beau.
In a snap the soap star posed for a picture in her living room, which boasts an all-white colour scheme with a white sofa and white floorboards and walls.
Her garden is just as snazzy as the inside of the crib though – with grey decking, a white sofa and matching parasol.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
