EastEnders fans are in for a temporary goodbye as Michelle Collins, who plays the iconic Cindy Beale, has confirmed that her character will be leaving Walford for a while. However, this isn’t the end of Cindy’s storyline—far from it! It’s merely a short break as Michelle Collins embarks on an exciting new stage role that has required her time away from the soap.

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror at the 2025 British Soap Awards, Michelle revealed that Cindy Beale will be absent from the square during the summer months. The reason behind her departure is to allow Michelle time to perform in a one-woman show at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival. The show, titled Motorhome Marilyn, features Michelle as a woman impersonating Marilyn Monroe. However, the character is far from glamorous; she’s a 60-year-old woman living in a trailer and grappling with the themes of failure, lost dreams, and the feeling that life has passed her by. Michelle described the role as “strange” but “thrilling,” a stark contrast to the complex and often chaotic character of Cindy Beale.

Fans of the soap need not worry, though, as Cindy’s absence is temporary, and she’ll be back before long. Michelle will be away from filming for about a month, but no exact timeline has been given regarding when Cindy will return. During this brief hiatus, the soap has confirmed that Cindy’s storyline will continue to evolve, with dramatic developments on the horizon.

In her interview, Michelle also teased some exciting plot twists for her character. One of the most highly anticipated upcoming events is the Pride celebrations, which will feature some fun and engaging scenes with her and fellow characters, especially Elaine and Cindy in relation to George Knight. There’s also a lot of intrigue surrounding Cindy’s complicated family life. She revealed, “She’s got a big family, she’s got a lot going on,” and there’s tension with her daughter-in-law, which is expected to add more drama in future episodes.

For now, Cindy’s love life is not a priority. Michelle shared her thoughts on this aspect of her character, saying she’s enjoying the fact that Cindy is “getting more empowered as a businesswoman” without a romantic partner in the picture. She expressed that it’s important for Cindy to focus on herself and her personal growth, rather than rushing into a new relationship. “I think she needs to find her feet again,” Michelle added. Fans of Cindy’s past love interests will have to wait, as the character is currently experiencing a strong and independent phase.

When discussing Cindy’s complexities, Michelle opened up about her character’s flaws, saying, “She’s complicated, she’s complex, she’s chaotic, but she’s passionate. At least she’s not boring. We need imperfect people on TV, not perfect ones.” It’s clear that Michelle’s portrayal of Cindy has struck a chord with viewers, offering a relatable and multi-dimensional character who doesn’t shy away from her imperfections.

As fans eagerly await Cindy’s return to Walford, they can look forward to more intense drama, especially in Cindy’s interactions with her family and her ever-evolving storyline. Michelle’s brief break will allow her to explore a completely different role, but once she returns, Cindy’s complex relationships and struggles will surely keep viewers hooked.

Stay tuned for more updates on Cindy’s return and other exciting developments in the world of EastEnders. With Michelle Collins taking on a new challenge, the future of Cindy Beale promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever!