EastEnders’ Michelle Collins has shared the sad news her beloved dog Humphrey has died.
Michelle, who is 63, is best known for her role as Cindy Beale in the BBC One soap.
Today, the star took to her Instagram to reveal her Shih Tzu passed away this week. Her beautiful tribute post features snaps of Humphrey from over the years. In the caption, Michelle reflected on how her dog has been a ‘steadfast companion’ ever since he entered her life about 16 years ago.
Revealing that the pooch came from the rescue charity All Dogs Matter, Michelle said: ‘I can’t think of a single dressing room that I have been in without him. He would often ben seen in one of my baskets or bags accompanying me on theatre tours or shopping trips (often escaping from the changing rooms at inappropriate moments).’
She continued: ‘He’s visited retirement homes, hospitals and made lots of children smile (grown ups too) with his gentle nature and tongue that always sticks out.
‘When I met my husband 14 years ago I had to relinquish some of that time because Mike developed such a close bond with him that he would often go with him to his work or be his only company when I was away or working late.
‘The only trouble with that was he often tried clipping Humphrey’s hair himself…which didn’t always work out to plan.’
In a really moving conclusion, Michelle wrote: ‘I cannot begin to describe how much joy he has brought into our lives and it is truly heart wrenching that he will no longer be there when I open my front door, wake up in the morning or go to sleep at night.
‘Today Mike said to me, ‘My world was just a better place with him in it and I feel lost.’
She finished the post by calling Humphrey, also known as The Humph, as her ‘favourite hello’ and ‘hardest goodbye’.
The actress has been inundated with support from her friends in the industry, all sharing heartfelt messages about Michelle’s loss.
Fans of the BBC One soap and Michelle’s followers also shared kind comments.
‘Michelle, I’m so sorry. Sending you a hug and love’, this Instagram user said.
‘Sending a big hug it’s the best kind of love to have and one of the hardest to loose’, another wrote.
This follower added: ‘Sorry for ur loss it’s just so sad x’.
Michelle returned to her role as Cindy Beale in EastEnders in 2023, when it was revealed she had been living undercover after faking her death in prison.
Cindy headed back to England from France alongside Ian and Peter Beale (Adam Woodyatt and Thomas Law), and suffice to say things haven’t been in the same in Albert Square since.
