Michelle Collins is banned from working behind the bar in EastEnders' Queen Vic pub.

Michelle Collins reveals why Cindy Beale is not allowed to work in the Queen Vic pub

Michelle Collins reveals why Cindy Beale is not allowed to work in the Queen Vic pub

The 61-year-old actress played Cindy Beale in the BBC One soap opera from 1988 until 1998 but made a shock comeback last year, despite her character being killed off.

When one fan contacted her on social media to share their hopes that she would soon become the landlady of the Queen Vic, Michelle reminded them that she did once work in the famous boozer, but was hastily written out of the job because she kept breaking the glasses.

The fan wrote on X: "@missmcollins I only started watching EastEnders again when you came back and all the storylines have been brilliant. Also, I'm waiting for you to be Queen of the Vic with George."

Michelle wrote: "Ha ha! Thank you but I'm not good with props, I worked in the #oldvic @bbceastenders years ago I got sacked for breaking too many glasses! (sic)"

Following her initial 'EastEnders' stint, Michelle starred in episodes of 'Doctor Who' and 'Casualty' before landing the role of Stella Price on 'Coronation Street' for three years.

She has also carved out a career in theatre, with roles in musicals such as 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', but recently spoke of how she almost "crashed the car" when she heard 'EastEnders bosses wanted to bring Cindy back.

Speaking on 'The One Show', she said: "I was driving somewhere up north and had Bluetooth on, of course. I got the call, John Cannon called from 'EastEnders' asking if I would go back. I nearly crashed the car actually, I was like 'I've got to stop!' I had to pull over.

"Then I thought 'I've got to phone Adam [Woodyatt, Ian Beale].'

"He said, 'I've just had the call, have you?' and we both said yes!

"I didn't want to go back for one episode. It wouldn't have been worth it. I wanted to make sure it was planned properly. It was a big move for me. I had to make sure it was the right decision. If I left five years ago, I would have said no."

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