Huge EastEnders star takes ‘break from show’ after bombshell storyline
EastEnders icon Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy Beale on the soap, is taking a break from the show and won't be seen on screen for months after their character's huge storyline
Huge EastEnders star taking ‘extended break from show’(Image: BBC)
A huge EastEnders star is taking a short break from the show as they land a role in an upcoming play. Michelle Collins delighted fans when her character Cindy returned two years ago – but she made a sharp exit earlier this year. Now, she’ll be switching the Square for the stage for a brief period.
Moving on to another venture, the 62-year-old has landed a role in dark comedy Motorhome Marilyn, making her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Cindy Beale had a huge storyline over Christmas(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“She will be off screens for a few weeks but BBC bosses know it’s important to let their biggest stars do other projects so they remain on the show long-term,” a source told The Sun. The source also revealed that bosses have huge plans for the character when she returns.
Speaking on her upcoming role and debut at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Michelle told the publication: “I am thrilled to be making my Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut with Motorhome Marilyn, a wonderful new play which is dark, funny and so close to my heart.”
In February, EastEnders fans watched as Cindy dramatically left the Square to stay with her friend, Gita. It came after she was attacked and “left for d.e.a.d” on Christmas Day.
Michelle Collins is taking an ‘extended break’ from the show(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
For months, she attempted to discover the mystery of the attacker until it was revealed it was Ian’s mum Kathy who had hit her over the head with the shovel. In recent episodes Peter and Lauren also discovered Kathy’s dark secret.
Cindy reluctantly left the Square in exchange for money due to the fear of residents finding out she was ultimately behind Reiss crashing into the Vic causing the devastating explosion on the 40th anniversary.
As she pushed Ian into the road, a frantic Reiss had to swerve to avoid hitting him – but disaster struck when he lost control of the car and went crashing into the Vic. The crash resulted in a huge explosion inside the Vic and sadly lead to the d.e.a.t.h of Martin Fowler.
Cindy hinted she would be back for revenge as she told Junior during her exit: “Oh, no one’s getting away with anything, but I’m just happy to let them think that they have. For now.”Michelle Collins first joined EastEnders in 1988, and was presumed to have d.i.e.d during childbirth in prison ten years later. However, in 2023, Cindy made a surprise return to the soap – revealing she had been under witness protection as Rose Knight the ‘missing’ wife of George Knight. It was also revealed she had two daughters, Anna and Gina.
