EastEnders’ Michelle Collins has opened up about taking a break from the BBC soap.
Soap legend Michelle Collins has confessed that playing the notorious Cindy Beale on EastEnders can leave her feeling “exhausted”.
The star made a sensational return to Albert Square in 2023, a whole quarter of a century after her character was presumed dead during childbirth back in 1998. Fans were shocked to discover that Cindy had actually been living under the radar in Spain all this time.
Since her dramatic comeback, Cindy has been at the heart of the action, causing a stir over Christmas as her fling with Junior Knight (played by Micah Balfour) came to light.
Her storyline has been nothing short of explosive, having been assaulted by Kathy Beale (portrayed by Gillian Taylforth), shooting her ex-husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt), and inadvertently starting the blaze at the Queen Vic, which tragically claimed the life of Martin Fowler (James Bye).
Given the intensity of her role, it’s hardly surprising that Michelle felt the need for “some time off” from the hustle and bustle of EastEnders, admitting to feeling “exhausted” by her character’s antics.
She opened up about her experience during an appearance on This Morning, reports Plymouth Live.
Chatting with Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on Wednesday (14 May), Michelle discussed her recent hiatus from the show and shared her candid thoughts on Cindy.
She said: “They gave me a bit of time off, you get a bit exhausted. I get a bit exhausted with Cindy, I needed some time off. I love playing her. She’s unapologetic, a lawbreaker, bold and you just never know what she’s going to do next.
“She’s dysfunctional and interesting, but also kind of passionate and vulnerable. All those things are great to play as an actor,” Michelle revealed to the presenters.
Michelle has dropped some tantalising hints about what’s next for Cindy and Ian, whose turbulent romance has had fans on tenterhooks.
“He adores her and loves her. She loves him, but she’s not in love with him. He can’t live with her but can’t live without her. There are a lot of couples like that,” she explained.
The star further elaborated: “They just squabble the whole time. Now she’s come back and she’s so fed up with Kathy being hypocritical and she’s like ‘excuse me look at you lot’.”
Determined to claim her piece, Michelle unveiled: “She wants what she deserves. She can’t get Beale’s Eels so she goes for The Albert, which Kathy used to own.”
