EastEnders legend Michelle Collins has spoke about the importance of older women on screen.
The actress, 62, has appeared as Cindy Beale in the BBC One soap across three separate stints since 1988.
After a two month absence, she returned to Albert Square earlier this week to gatecrash Peter and Lauren’s (Thomas Law and Jacqueline Jossa) engagement party.
After revealing who her Christmas Day attacker was – Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), if you missed the bombshell – she then ran off into the night to have yet another argument.
Arriving at Lauren’s doorstep for another face-off, she was shocked to find her soon to be daughter-in-law in labour. In today’s episode, she was by her side as she gave birth to a son.
Not the birthing partner she’d hoped for!
On Monday, Michelle joined the BBC Breakfast team to discuss her Walford comeback and new Edinburgh Fringe Festival one-woman show Motorhome Marilyn, which will play to audiences in August.
Speaking with host Roger Johnson, she spoke about the importance of shows like EastEnders empowering older women.
‘I’m just really happy that we are embracing older women on screen’ she said.
‘I think that’s really important, and giving them big stories, which is what EastEnders did when Cindy came back.
‘I think that’s really important, and for the Edinburgh Fringe to be – you know, it’s quite scary doing a one-woman show at my age and, also, why not?
‘Why can’t we be ambitious at my age as well and be scared and out of our comfort zone?’
On her soap alter-ego she added: ‘But she’s, kind of, been named as “The Queen of Chaos”, I think, and loves the drama in her life.
‘But she’s a multifaceted figure, she’s a strong woman.
‘I think she actually is an unapologetic character and not frightened to speak her truth. Her truth may not always be what other people like about her, but I think people, kind of, love to possibly hate her.
‘Listen – nobody’s perfect. Every woman has their flaws.’
Upcoming scenes will see scheming Cindy strike again, when she catches Kathy kissing Jean Slater’s (Gillian Wright) partner Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman).
Unable to keep it under her hat, she records the interaction and decides to play it for all to hear at Jean and Harvey’s engagement party.
