EastEnders' Michelle Collins reveals how icon Cindy Beale has been transformed

Michelle Collins is thrilled that her EastEnders character, icon Cindy Beale, has changed her ways.

The character has transformed somewhat after causing chaos after her return from the dead in 2023. She was back to her scheming and cheating ways, cheating on Ian Beale, clashing with daughter-in-law Lauren Branning, and trying to steal her ex George Knight from his partner Elaine Peacock.

It all ended with a rather dark Christmas whodunnit when someone attacked Cindy and left her for dead, with the culprit later identified as her mother-in-law Kathy Beale. But things have changed for Cindy since then with her becoming a solo business owner, ditching men and even making amends with love rival Elaine.

Actress Michelle is happy that bosses have taken this route, showing Cindy to be a strong woman who doesn't need to be caught up in romance drama. Michelle also shared how fun it is to have Cindy and Elaine on the same side for once.

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She explained when asked if she liked Elaine and Cindy's change in relationship: "It's fun. I think it's good. Strong women together, and I'm really glad Cindy has got a business for once.

"She is on her own, she is not about a man, and so I am loving the fact she's in The Albert. And I think people are loving the fact she's in The Albert, all the boys."

Michelle was also coy over a possible wedding for Lauren Branning and Peter Beale, and her reaction was rather telling. She gave nothing away verbally, admitting she wasn't able to share any details before quickly moving the conversation on.

She did hint at more drama with Cindy and daughter-in-law Lauren though, while it was clear from her rush to change the topic that something was likely on the cards. Asked if things would be smooth sailing for Lauren and Peter, Michelle abruptly told us at the National Television Awards: "I can't tell you anything about that, I'm sorry!"

Changing the topic slightly, she the said: "Erm... well Cindy and Lauren do not get on. Daughter in law, and mother in law, but you know I kind of like that.

"I like the conflict and the confrontation and it's kind of like real life isn't it. It's kind of fun." It comes after the soap's new Executive Producer Ben Wadey told press just weeks ago that drama was on the way for Lauren and Peter.

He teased: "We've got Lauren, Peter and Oscar, there's plenty of drama to unfold there." Lauren actress Jacqueline also had her say, and let slip that a wedding could happen soon.

She told press: "You can expect wedding bells. But it's a Walford wedding, so maybe don't fork out on a hat! See what happens – see you there."

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads.