Michelle Collins Takes Extended Break from EastEnders for New Role

Michelle Collins, known for her long-standing role as Cindy Beale on EastEnders, is taking an extended break from the soap to star in the dark comedy Motorhome Marilyn at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The 62-year-old actress made a surprising return to the show in 2023 after a lengthy absence but will now shift her focus to this new project, which she describes as dark and funny. Collins will perform daily from July 30 to August 25, and BBC bosses have indicated they have plans for her character's return in the future. Fans have expressed their enthusiasm for her new role following her announcement on social media. The play is inspired by Collins' real-life encounter with a struggling actress and will explore themes of unfulfilled dreams in 1980s Hollywood. Her departure from EastEnders follows a dramatic storyline, including a brutal attack on her character during a Christmas episode.