Michelle Collins, the beloved actress behind the ever-fiery Cindy Beale, is back in the EastEnders spotlight—and she’s bringing even more drama to Walford than ever before. In a recent chat on This Morning, Michelle offered fans a tantalizing glimpse into Cindy’s dark new storyline, her evolving dynamic with longtime rivals, and what it’s like to breathe life into one of soapland’s most layered characters.
From the outset, Michelle’s energy makes it clear that Cindy isn’t just a character—it’s a force of nature. And according to her, Cindy is far from finished stirring the pot. “She’s a drama queen, but that’s what makes her brilliant,” Michelle says with a knowing smile. The tension between Cindy and Kathy is reaching boiling point once again, with Michelle hinting that fans are in for more explosive scenes between the two. Their on-screen feud, built over decades, continues to resonate with viewers, especially given the universal humor of mother-in-law dynamics—though Michelle jokingly advises against pulling a “Kathy on Christmas Day.”
Michelle praised her co-star Gillian Taylforth for embodying the strong, no-nonsense matriarch Kathy, while revealing how much fun they have behind the scenes. But don’t let the laughter fool you—Cindy is about to venture into some seriously dark territory.
Just when viewers think Cindy has reached her limit, she takes another sharp turn. “Cindy is the gift that keeps on giving,” Michelle says. Whether it’s stirring up trouble, uncovering secrets, or fighting for what she believes she deserves, Cindy’s journey is far from predictable. Michelle confessed that the intensity of the role sometimes left her needing a break, admitting, “I get a bit exhausted with Cindy. I think I needed some time off.”
What makes Cindy such an iconic figure is her unapologetic nature. She’s brash, bold, unpredictable—and yet underneath it all, there’s a vulnerability that draws fans in. “She’s dysfunctional and passionate but also vulnerable,” Michelle reflects. These opposing traits make Cindy a dream to play for any actor, especially one eager to explore complex emotions.
Returning to EastEnders after a 25-year absence wasn’t without its concerns. Michelle wondered whether audiences would still care about Cindy. But based on fan reaction and the ever-twisting storylines she’s involved in, it’s clear that Cindy remains a central figure in Walford lore. The chemistry between her and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) continues to be electric. Michelle believes Ian is still deeply attached to Cindy—perhaps hopelessly so. “He can’t live with her, but he can’t live without her either,” she remarks. Cindy, on the other hand, may care for Ian, but her feelings have evolved. She loves him, yes, but is no longer in love with him. That distinction is crucial to her current emotional journey.
Michelle compares their dynamic to the classic TV couple George and Mildred—constantly squabbling but still somehow bound together. This sense of unresolved tension adds richness to Cindy’s narrative, especially now that she’s returned to Walford only to face constant judgment from people like Kathy. Tired of Kathy’s hypocrisy, Cindy is done biting her tongue. She looks around and sees others in no place to cast stones, and she’s determined to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers.
With her usual flair, Cindy turns her attention to the Prince Albert—Walford’s gay bar—which she plans to take over. Kathy once ran the bar, but Cindy’s not letting sentiment or rivalry stop her. Her takeover marks a fresh chapter and offers a new setting for Cindy’s schemes to unfold. Michelle teases that this development will give viewers the chance to see a different side of Cindy—one that’s sharp, strategic, and yes, still dangerous. This plot twist promises some of the most exciting moments yet, with plenty of “duff duffs” to leave fans gasping.
Speaking of those iconic cliffhangers, Michelle reminisces about the early days of EastEnders, where actors would flip to the last page of a script just to see if they got the final drumbeat of the episode. Though she doesn’t do that anymore, she says it’s still a thrill, especially for newer cast members. And when it comes to delivering a good “duff duff,” Michelle advises actors to be natural—don’t overthink it. “Just do it,” she laughs.
Michelle also took a moment to reflect on her origins with the show. When she first auditioned back in 1988, she thought she was trying out for a character named Karin—only to find out that Karin was the producer. Cindy was originally meant to appear in just 11 episodes, but Michelle’s performance changed everything. Slowly, the writers began to build a role around her, and the rest is history. “I don’t know what that says about my character,” she jokes, “but they haven’t been able to stop writing for Cindy since.” 
While Cindy remains a staple in her life, Michelle is branching out to tackle new creative challenges. She’s set to debut a one-woman show called Mo-Marilyn at the Edinburgh Festival. The play is inspired by a real-life woman Michelle once encountered in LA—an older Marilyn Monroe lookalike living out of a motorhome. Michelle was so intrigued by the woman’s story that she built an entire theatrical piece around her. After a pandemic-induced delay, the show is finally coming to life with the help of a talented writer and director.
Michelle admits she’s nervous—this will be her first Edinburgh appearance—but she believes that taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone is vital at any age. “I’m 62, and I’ve never done the Fringe before. Why not?” she says. “I think we should all challenge ourselves.”
So, while Cindy Beale might be stirring up trouble back in Walford, Michelle Collins is conquering new stages—proving once again that she’s every bit the icon her character is. Whether she’s facing off with Kathy, taking over the Prince Albert, or delivering a thunderous “duff duff,” Cindy is as unforgettable as ever. And according to Michelle, fans haven’t seen anything yet.
Stay tuned—because if you think Cindy’s done, you don’t know Cindy Beale.
