A huge EastEnders star is taking break from the BBC soap after bagging a lead role in a brand new show – and it’s worlds away from Walford.

Michelle Collins, 62, first appeared on the soap in 1988, but left in 1900 after her character supposedly got killed off during childbirth. 

However in 2023 she made a shock return and has been part of some gripping storylines, including the mystery of who hit her over the head on Christmas Day last year.

But now Michelle is going to step away from the Square for her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of comedy Motorhome Marilyn. 

A source told The Sun: ‘She will be off screens for a few weeks but BBC bosses know it’s important to let their biggest stars do other projects so they remain on the show long-term. 

‘Bosses will have big plans for Cindy when she does return to Albert Square.’ 

A huge EastEnders star is reportedly taking break from the BBC soap after bagging a lead role in a brand new show – and it’s worlds away from Walford 

Michelle Collins , 62, first appeared on the soap in 1988, but left in 1900 after her character supposedly got killed off during childbirth

Michelle will be starring in the show at the Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter House in the summer. 

Fans will be able to watch her between July 30 and August 25. 

The actress took to Instagram to share the exciting news with her fans. 

Sharing a snap of herself as Marilyn, she captioned the post: ‘She’s coming …… #MotorhomeMarilyn.’

And fans rushed to the comments section to share their excitement. 

One wrote: ‘This looks great.’

Another added: ‘You are one awesome lady.’ 

‘Can’t wait you’ll be amazing,’ a third chimed in. 

Michelle will be leaving EastEnders for a short period of time to take part in a different project 

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A fourth said: ‘Can’t wait !! you are amazing and look absolutely fantastic darling xxx.’

A fifth added: ‘You’re such a brilliant actor!’ 

And leading company The Production Garden also couldn’t wait to share the news on social media.  

They wrote on the social media platform: ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing Motorhome Marilyn to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer!

‘@michelledcollins makes her Fringe debut in this dark comedy by Ben Weatherill, running at Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter House from 30 July – 25 August (except 13 August) at 5:30 PM.

‘Inspired by Michelle’s real-life encounter, Motorhome Marilyn follows Denise, an aspiring actress obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, as she chases fame in 1980s Hollywood – only to confront the painful cost of unfulfilled dreams.’

The company’s synopsis of the show reads: ‘Motorhome Marilyn follows Ruthie Richards, a shy English girl who headed to Hollywood years ago to try her luck in the movies. What is left when things don’t quite work out as planned. 

‘Ruthie now moves between parking lots, convention centres and parties eking out a living as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator but what is the true cost of failure.’ 

Motorhome Marilyn is by Ben Weatherill and directed by Alexandra Spencer-Jones. 

The show is ‘based on an idea’ by Michelle.

Michelle said of her new role: ‘I am thrilled to be making my Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut with Motorhome Marilyn, a wonderful new play which is dark, funny and so close to my heart. 

‘When I encountered the show’s real-life namesake out in LA, I couldn’t have imagined that journey would lead me to this point. 

‘However, thanks to Ben’s, and my late friend Stuart’s, wonderful writing.

‘I can’t wait to share this story with Edinburgh audiences this summer.’