On Thursday morning, Lorraine had a conversation with Michelle Collins, who is most known for portraying Cindy Beale on EastEnders, on her career in soap operas.
After Michelle Collins discussed her soap opera career on Lorraine on Thursday morning, the audience was left in complete shock. The 61-year-old’s most well-known performance was in the BBC series EastEnders as Cindy Beale.
Her age-defying beauty astounded fans, and they hailed her for inspiring older actresses and women to pursue careers in TV and movies.
On X, a fan wrote: “@missmcollins I really enjoyed your Lorraine interview. It is so encouraging how you support all of us older performers. Despite our advanced age, we are still alive and well.”
Another user said, “@missmcollins just watching you on Lorraine,” while a third wrote, “Great Interview on #Lorraine this morning @missmcollins loving that Cindy is back in #EastEnders.” You look amazing! I appear less attractive while I sit here in my sweatpants.”
“@missmcollins just listening to you on [Lorraine],” a fourth person said. I appreciate you standing up for actresses and mature ladies. We have so much to say and share, so please write our tales.”
Michelle has acted in episodes of Coronation Street and EastEnders, two of the best soap operas in Britain. After being reborn as Cindy Beale last year, she has made a comeback to the BBC serial opera EastEnders.
When the actress was “killed” off-screen in 1998, it was her last appearance in Albert Square 25 years ago. Though viewers of the program believed Cindy would never appear again, she made a surprise comeback in the summer of 2023, which led to some unpleasant reunions.
Michelle told Lorraine that she had decided to return, and she clarified, saying, “Where are those parts for older women? And where are ladies of a particular age visible? As women and actresses, we still have a lot more to offer.”
Cindy was Cindy Williams when she first appeared in EastEnders. She eventually wed Ian Beale (Adam Woodyat) and had four children with three separate men: Lucy Beale, Peter Beale, Cindy Williams Jr., and Steven Beale.
Originally, BBC viewers were informed that she passed away in 1998 while giving birth off-screen. But it was later discovered that, upon her release from jail, she had adopted the alias “Rose Sawyer” and begun a new life with bar owner George Knight (Colin Salmon).
After Cindy learned that her daughter Lucy had died, their marriage collapsed in 2014. She left Marbella and didn’t go back to the UK until her protection as a witness expired. Cindy is now a permanent resident of Walford again.