On her empty nest and plans for a gap year
Actress Michelle Collins talks body hang-ups, empty nests and her dislike of being typecast
S he burst onto our screens as scheming Cindy Beale in EastEnders 30 years ago and, despite having left the show in 1998, Michelle Collins’ character has gone down in history as one of soap’s greatest villains of all time. Wicked Cindy even hired a hitman to make an attempt on her then husband Ian Beale’s life.
But Michelle isn’t in any rush to return to Albert Square. She says, ‘It’s been too long now. I still can’t believe my character has become more and more infamous over the years – it’s just bizarre. I can’t believe people still remember her, but I guess back then there were so few TV channels that everyone tuned in. I see myself as a jobbing actress, and there are lots of things I still want to do.’
The 57-year-old adds that she’s become a lot more fearless as the years have ticked by.
‘I don’t know if it’s something to do with hitting 50, but I find I want to face any challenge or demons that come my way,’ she explains. ‘I think it’s a little bit like saying I won’t take myself so seriously – I’ll give it a go.’
Maybe her 22-year-old daughter Maia-Rose leaving home has given the star more time to focus on herself. ‘I can relate to Gordon Ramsay having empty nest syndrome,’ she confesses. ‘But I think it’s even harder when you only have the one child. I found it terribly sad in the beginning. We do the normal motherdaughter things when we see each other, like having our nails done or going to watch a film. We’re close, but we don’t live in each other’s pockets – she has her own life now, but, of course, as a parent, you never stop worrying about them.’
But Michelle is resolute about the family dynamic changing, and even admits that she’s enjoying a new chapter, saying, ‘It’s a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and do something I normally wouldn’t do – provided it’s not too dangerous!’
One of the things Michelle has found time to embrace is her exercise routine, which she insists is all about quality over quantity. ‘I was at the gym a few days ago, and a lady came up to me and said, “You come here quite often, but you don’t stay for very long.” I told her it’s
‘if i was to go into another soap for a third time, it would be quite difficult to get away from’
best not to stay in the gym for hours on end – it’s better to come for a short while more regularly. Plus, that way, you’re less likely to get bored.’
Unlike many other celebs, Michelle doesn’t have a personal trainer. ‘I used to have one when I was much younger,’ she explains. ‘I was a bit of a gym bunny. Now I go to a gym which is close to my house. I find that really helps because, let’s face it, you’re not going to use one that’s miles away.
‘I also walk my dog in the mornings and afternoons – and I really like hot yoga, but it can be quite strenuous, so I stick to doing that once or twice a week.’
Michelle admits her arms are her biggest body hang-up. ‘Everyone has phobias about their bodies, and mine are my arms,’ she says.
‘Our bodies change as we get older – they just do. I have a fear of getting bingo wings, so I hold weights when I’m walking on the treadmill. Some days I don’t want to exercise, but I force myself to do it, and
I feel so much better for it afterwards. I guess it’s all about finding out what exercise suits you.’
Having played Stella Price in Coronation Street from 2011 to 2014, Michelle pours cold water on the idea she’ll appear on Hollyoaks or Emmerdale in the future.
‘I don’t like to be typecast,’ she explains. ‘If I was to go into another soap for a third time, it would be quite difficult to get away from.’
With working on a US drama, a play in London and an upcoming appearance on Channel 5’s Celebrity 5 Go Camping, it seems Michelle isn’t planning on slowing down any time soon.
‘I go to America quite a lot. I spent the whole summer there on my own.
I’m very independent, and I’m very lucky in the sense that, as an actor, I’ve travelled a lot. Although India and the Antarctic are still on my bucket list – so who knows..? I might do the gap year I never had, and take off for a few months. I’m quite worldly, and I love a sense of adventure.’
Celebrity 5 go Camping starts on Channel 5 on 4 January
‘it’s a chance for me to step
out of my comfort zone’