EastEnders legend taking break from BBC soap after huge storyline and won’t be back on screen for months

AN EastEnders legend is taking a break from Albert Square following their character's role in a huge storyline.

Fans were stunned when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) – despite being believed to have “died” in 1998.

Michelle, 62, is making her Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut in dark comedy Motorhome Marilyn, byBen Weatherill.

A source revealed to Flying Eze: “Michelle is taking an extended break from while she stars in the play.

“She will be off screens for months 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.”

Discussing her upcoming role, Michelle said: “I am thrilled to be making my Festival 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.”;

The 1980s-set plot follows Denise – played by Michelle – an aspiring actress who has an obsessive relationship with .

Denise heads to , hoping to live up to the icon’s fame and beauty.

But she is forced to confront the painful truth of unfulfilled dreams and desires.

Inspired by Michelle's real-life encounter with a woman named Motorhome Marilyn, the play explores themes such as aging and failed dreams.

The show will play at Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter House, from 30 July to 25 August (with the exception of August 13).

Elsewhere, Cindy Beale embarked on (Micah Balfour) last year.

The businesswoman (Adam Woodyatt) into handing over half theirmoneyotherwise she would report his mum Kathy for trying to kill her at.

She backed down after Ian countered with her pushing him in front of a car and

Taking the money under agreement that she leaves – she said a cool goodbye to her family.

Junior chased her to the tube station and asked her: “I don’t understand why you’re letting Ian get away with it.”;

“Oh no-one’s getting away with anything,”; Cindy told him.

“I’m just happy for them to think they have, for now,”; she added.

With that she swanned into the tube station to leave Walford for a spell while she plots her revenge.

A viewer wrote: “I might be in the minority but I'm very much looking forward to the chaotic hijinks Ar Cinders will bring with her when she returns.”;

While another shared: “The break will do her a world of good. Now that she won’t be going around accusing everyone, hopefully she’ll be back to her best upon return.”;

EastEnders continues on and iPlayer.