Michelle Collins feels "honoured" to be back in 'EastEnders' after her character Cindy Beale returned from the dead on Wednesday night (21.06.23).
Michelle Collins 'honoured' to return to EastEnders
The 61-year-old star's character died off-screen 25 years ago, but in last night's episode of the BBC One soap she was revealed as Rose Knight, the long-lost wife of George Knight (Colin Salmon).
Michelle said: "For over 25 years I’ve constantly been asked ‘are you going back’ and now finally I can say I am!
"It’s an honour to be asked to reprise the role of Cindy Beale, a character that has really never left me, and just like the old days, where Cindy goes, drama usually follows."
Cindy is returning to Albert Square alongside her ex Ian Beale, which will see the return of Adam Woodyatt to reprise his role.
He said: "It’s weird saying Ian’s back as it never really felt like he was gone, Ian still existed just not in Walford.
"Now that he is back, he needs to avoid Sharon cooking carbonara and his mum getting him cufflinks for Christmas!"
Chris Clenshaw, executive producer, added: "It’s an honour to not simply welcome back just one 'EastEnders' icon in the name of Adam Woodyatt, but to welcome Michelle Collins back to Walford to reprise her role as the legendary Cindy Beale after 25 years is somewhat surreal.
"Cindy’s been sorely missed from our screens, and we’re delighted that she’ll be returning to Walford, alongside Ian, permanently later this year.
"Now everyone knows that she is in fact Rose Knight, secrets are set to be revealed as viewers will learn about the circumstances surrounding their return, including the million dollar question - how is Cindy alive when she was declared dead in 1998 - and later this summer Ian and Cindy’s comeback will be nothing less than explosive for the Square."
Cindy was known in Walford for her scheming and manipulative behaviour, which included several affairs during her tumultuous relationship with Ian.
She last appeared on screen in 1998, and viewers were led to believe that she had died off-screen while giving birth to namesake daughter, leaving her children Steven, Lucy and Peter behind.
Ian fled Walford in 2021 after his former best friend and wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) attempted to poison him in revenge for his involvement in her son Denny's death.
Last year, Ian briefly returned for Dot Cotton's (June Brown) funeral and took a phone call from a mystery person, who is now known to be Cindy.
Tagged in Adam Woodyatt Michelle Collins