AN EASTENDERS legend is leaving Albert Square following their character’s role in a huge storyline.
Fans were stunned when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) made a shock return two years ago – despite being believed to have “died” in 1998.
Now Michelle, 62, is preparing to make her Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut in dark comedy Motorhome Marilyn.
The show, by Ben Weatherill, will play at Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter House, from 30 July to 25 August (with the exception of August 13).
EastEnders fans need not worry though, as Michelle will be back on-screen as Cindy in the near future.
A source revealed to The Sun: “She will be off screens for a few weeks but BBC bosses know it’s important to let their biggest stars do other projects so they remain on the show long-term.
“Bosses will have big plans for Cindy when she does return to Albert Square.”
Discussing her upcoming role, Michelle said: “I am thrilled to be making my Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut with Motorhome Marilyn, a wonderful new play which is dark, funny and so close to my heart.
“When I encountered the show’s real-life namesake out in LA, I couldn’t have imagined that journey would lead me to this point.
“However, thanks to Ben’s, and my late friend Stuart’s, wonderful writing, I can’t wait to share this story with Edinburgh audiences this summer.”
The 1980s-set plot follows Denise – played by Michelle – an aspiring actress who has an obsessive relationship with Marilyn Monroe.
Denise heads to Hollywood, hoping to live up to the icon’s fame and beauty.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”EastEnders FINALLY reveal who attacked Cindy – did you guess it?” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369016913112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]But she is forced to confront the painful truth of unfulfilled dreams and desires.
Inspired by Michelle’s real-life encounter with a woman named Motorhome Marilyn, the play explores themes such as aging and failed dreams.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D111265%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]Elsewhere, Cindy Beale embarked on a months-long affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) last year.
The businesswoman more recently tried to blackmail Ian (Adam Woodyatt) into handing over half their money otherwise she would report his mum Kathy for trying to kill her at Christmas.
She backed down after Ian countered with her pushing him in front of a car and causing Reiss to crash into the Vic.
Taking the money under agreement that she leaves – she said a cool goodbye to her family.
Junior chased her to the tube station and asked her: “I don’t understand why you’re letting Ian get away with it.”
“Oh no one’s getting away with anything,” Cindy told him.
“I’m just happy for them to think they have, for now,” she added.
With that she swanned into the station to leave Walford for a spell while she plots her revenge.
A viewer wrote: “I might be in the minority but I’m very much looking forward to the chaotic hijinks Ar Cinders will bring with her when she returns.”
While another shared: “The break will do her a world of good. Now that she won’t be going around accusing everyone, hopefully she’ll be back to her best upon return.”
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
