Having been on our screens for the past 30 years, Michelle Collins has one of the most instantly recognisable faces in the UK. The 59-year-old has starred in two of the nation’s favourite soaps, playing Cindy Beale in EastEnders before making a name for herself in Coronation Street as Stella Price.
Today, Michelle, who lives in London with her partner Mike Davison, is happier treading the boards as a character actress – and is about to go on tour as Miss Scarlett in new play Cluedo, a comedy thriller based on the original board game.
Following a tough two years, Michelle admits she wants to get out of her comfort zone and try new things. She reveals it hasn’t been a “happy time” after she sadly lost her mum Mary last April, following a battle with cancer.
Here, the actress opens up about how she overcame depression, the future of EastEnders and why she’s not fussed about fame…
Hi Michelle! You played Cindy Beale in EastEnders for the best part of 10 years. How do you look back on that period of your life?
I look back at EastEnders in a very positive way. But I’m pleased that they killed Cindy off because it meant I couldn’t ever go back. With TV channels like Gold, it means people still know who Cindy is. So, she’s still around. If it wasn’t for EastEnders I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.
You’re close to your former co-star and on-screen husband Adam Woodyatt, who recently quit the soap…
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