Michelle Collins, the indomitable force behind one of EastEnders’ most enduring and notorious characters,

has confirmed she’s taking a temporary leave from the long-running BBC soap. The 63-year-old actress,

beloved and feared in equal measure for her portrayal of the scheming Cindy Beale, is swapping Albert Square for the stage this summer — marking yet another dramatic chapter in a career steeped in twists, betrayals, and reinventions.

Collins, who first stepped into Cindy Beale’s stilettos in 1988, made television history last year when her character returned from the dead — quite literally. Presumed deceased for a staggering 25 years, Cindy’s shocking 2023 reappearance sent ripples through Walford. As it turned out, the ever-cunning Cindy had been living under witness protection, her “death” part of a covert arrangement that allowed her to escape a web of criminal entanglements.

But death was only a pause in Cindy’s chaos, not the end.

A Return Laced with Explosive Drama

Cindy’s reintroduction to EastEnders was nothing short of explosive — and we mean that almost literally. Within weeks of settling back into the East End, she had already reignited old feuds and launched new scandals. Her storyline veered from scandalous affairs to near-tragedy, showcasing the very essence of a character known for courting disaster like an old friend.

Her most shocking move? An illicit affair with her former stepson, Junior Knight — a morally complex and deeply controversial liaison that reignited social media debates and viewer outrage, a testament to Cindy’s enduring power to provoke. Then, in one of the most talked-about soap moments of the year, Cindy confronted ex-husband Ian Beale. Their argument spiraled out of control, culminating in Cindy pushing Ian into the path of an oncoming car — which then crashed into the Queen Vic pub, sparking a fire and widespread destruction.

Walford reeled. So did the fans.

A Shovel, a Christmas, and a Vanishing Act

Cindy’s reign of chaos continued into the holiday season, culminating in a chilling confrontation with former mother-in-law Kathy Cotton. On Christmas Day, tensions exploded and Kathy — pushed to the brink by Cindy’s manipulations — lashed out violently with a shovel. The vicious attack left Cindy both physically and emotionally scarred and ultimately prompted her disappearance from Albert Square in early February.

Her absence from February to May was deeply felt, with fans speculating about her fate. Within the show’s narrative, Cindy fled after uncovering Kathy’s murderous intentions and still reeling from her role in the Queen Vic disaster. Her eventual return was as dramatic as ever: uninvited and unrepentant, she crashed her son Peter’s engagement party to Lauren Branning, reigniting familial tensions and reaffirming her title as Walford’s reigning “Queen of Chaos.”

But now, Cindy — and Michelle Collins — is stepping away once again. Only this time, it’s for a bold new artistic adventure.

From Soap Star to Solo Spotlight

Michelle Collins is taking a break from EastEnders to perform her one-woman show, Motorhome Marilyn, at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August. In a departure from the glamour and grit of Walford, the show explores themes of identity, failure, and forgotten dreams through the lens of a woman impersonator who lives in a caravan and channels Marilyn Monroe — all while confronting the realities of aging and unfulfilled potential.

“She’s nothing like Cindy,” Collins explained in an interview with the Daily Mirror. “It’s a play about a Marilyn lookalike who lives in a trailer and is 60. It’s kind of strange — it’s about failure, lost dreams, and feeling like life has passed you by.”

The actress revealed that EastEnders has graciously granted her a month-long sabbatical to pursue this personal and artistic endeavor. “I’m going off in the summer. I’m very excited. It’s quite scary doing a one-woman show at my age — but also, why not? Why can’t we be ambitious at my age and do something out of our comfort zone?”

Championing Older Women on Screen

In a separate appearance on BBC Breakfast, Collins spoke passionately about the importance of giving older women meaty, complex roles in television and theater — a philosophy that has clearly informed both her return to EastEnders and her latest stage project.

“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. She’s not a side character. She’s the drama.”

Indeed, Cindy Beale has always been more than just a villainess. Underneath her manipulations and betrayals lies a fiercely independent woman — flawed, unapologetic, and endlessly compelling.

“She’s kind of been named as the ‘Queen of Chaos,’ I think,” Collins added. “She loves the drama in her life, but she’s a multi-faceted figure. She’s strong. She’s unapologetic. And in many ways, she’s free.”

What’s Next for Cindy?

While Collins’ departure from EastEnders is confirmed to be temporary, the manner of her character’s exit remains a mystery. Will Cindy vanish once again, ghosting Walford as suddenly as she arrived? Will she be written out with a cliffhanger, leaving fans clutching their remote controls in suspense? Or will she continue to loom like a shadow over Albert Square, ready to return and stir up chaos at any moment?

The producers are remaining tight-lipped for now. But if Cindy Beale’s history has taught us anything, it’s that her story is never truly over — and when she returns, it’s never quiet.

As Collins trades the cobblestones of Walford for the footlights of Edinburgh, fans will no doubt miss her electrifying presence on screen. But the promise of Cindy’s return — and Collins’ bold theatrical detour — is proof that true icons never really leave; they just pause for dramatic effect.

And with Cindy Beale, the drama is never far behind.

Catch Michelle Collins in “Motorhome Marilyn” at the Edinburgh Fringe this August. For show dates and tickets, visit the official festival site.