🎭 EastEnders’ Michelle Collins Reveals How Her New Role Compares to Cindy Beale

Michelle Collins is no stranger to explosive storylines, fierce confrontations, and unforgettable exits. As Cindy Beale in EastEnders, she carved out a place in soap history as one of Walford’s most infamous and complex characters. But now, the celebrated actress is stepping into an entirely new role—and she’s opening up about how it compares to the character that made her a household name.

In a recent interview, Michelle reflected on the dramatic highs and emotional lows of playing Cindy, while also teasing what fans can expect from her newest television transformation. And while the characters may live in different worlds, Michelle admits the ghosts of Cindy aren’t so easy to shake off.

Cindy Beale: The Character That Changed Everything

First appearing in EastEnders in 1988, Cindy Beale was introduced as the glamorous love interest of Simon Wicks, but it wasn’t long before she became a central figure in the show’s most tangled love triangles. Eventually marrying Ian Beale, Cindy became known for her sharp wit, manipulative ways, and one of the soap’s most jaw-dropping arcs: hiring a hitman to kill her husband.

After a presumed death and years off-screen, Cindy made a shocking return in 2023, reigniting drama and dredging up old grudges in Albert Square. Her reappearance was met with both excitement and controversy—and Michelle says she welcomed every moment.

“Cindy was such a layered woman. People loved to hate her, but underneath all the schemes was someone deeply wounded. Playing her again after all these years gave me a chance to show that growth—and that pain.”

But with Cindy’s most recent storylines stirring the pot in Walford once more, Michelle is now preparing to explore something very different in her next project.

A Bold New Character

Michelle’s new role—while still under wraps in terms of full plot details—is part of an upcoming ITV drama that delves into themes of justice, betrayal, and identity. The character she plays, whom she describes only as “strong but broken,” is a woman grappling with the consequences of a life-altering event.

And according to Michelle, it’s a departure from anything she’s done before.

“This woman isn’t Cindy. She’s not outwardly powerful or manipulative. She’s quieter—emotionally raw. Everything she’s dealing with is internal, and that’s a whole new challenge for me.”

She adds:

“Cindy was always in control—or at least, she wanted to be. This new character is trying to find herself, not control others. That’s what makes her so compelling.”

Comparing the Two

When asked directly how this new role compares to Cindy Beale, Michelle was honest:

“Cindy was fierce, stylish, sharp-tongued. She played to win—even when she lost. This new role strips all that away. It’s a woman who’s been broken down by life and is just trying to survive. No tricks. No schemes. Just honesty and pain.”

Despite the contrast, Michelle admits there’s one thing both women share:

“They both have fire. Even if it’s buried, it’s still there. That resilience… I’m drawn to characters who don’t give up, even when they’ve been knocked down.”

Getting Out of Cindy’s Shadow

Having played Cindy for decades—and then resurrecting her after more than 25 years—Michelle acknowledges that it’s hard for audiences to see her as anyone else.

“I’ll always be Cindy Beale to some people. I get it. She left such a mark. But I’m also an actress who loves to push herself. That means taking risks and stepping into unfamiliar territory.”

She hopes her new role will remind viewers of her range—not just as a soap icon but as a serious dramatic actress.

“Playing Cindy again was a gift. But it also lit something in me. It made me want to stretch further. And this new role? It’s raw. It’s messy. And it’s mine.”

Support from Co-Stars

Several of Michelle’s EastEnders co-stars have publicly supported her newest endeavor. Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) posted a message on social media praising her “unmatched energy and depth,” while Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts) said in an interview that Michelle “brings weight to every scene she’s in, no matter what the show.”

Michelle says their support means everything:

“We’ve grown up together in a way. To know they’re rooting for me outside of EastEnders is incredibly moving.”

Will Cindy Be Back Again?

Of course, fans can’t help but wonder—is this really the end for Cindy Beale?

Michelle laughs when asked and gives a classically soap-appropriate answer:

“Never say never. Cindy has more lives than a cat. If the story’s right, I’d never close the door on her. But right now, I’m excited about exploring someone new.”

She continues:

“Walford will always be a part of me. But there’s a lot more I want to say—through new stories and new characters.”

Final Thoughts

Michelle Collins has proven time and again that she’s more than just one role. But as Cindy Beale, she created one of soap’s most enduring icons. Now, with a powerful new project on the horizon, she’s ready to show fans—and herself—what she’s capable of beyond the Square.

Whether on Albert Square or in a courtroom drama, Michelle brings heart, grit, and undeniable presence to every character she touches.

As she steps into her next chapter, one thing is clear: Michelle Collins isn’t done surprising us.