Born in London, Michelle Collins, 61, was a backing singer for Mari Wilson in the early 80s. From 1988-98, she played Cindy in EastEnders, and last year she returned to the soap. She also had a role in Coronation Street from 2011 to 2014. Her latest project, Stephen, which is about addiction, is in cinemas now and is also a touring installation, launching at the Exchange in Penzance on 4 May. She is married, has a daughter, and lives in London.
What is your greatest fear?
Being murdered – I listen to too many true-crime podcasts.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I lose bank cards, I’m untidy, I get bored very quickly.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Bullying, flakiness, rudeness, lack of humility, being patronising and ungenerous.
Describe yourself in three words
Can I have more than three? Creative, kind, a grafter, engaging, loyal, fun and generous.
What would your superpower be?
To fly – and to be able to pack a suitcase.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My ears. They used to really stick out and my mum used to make my sister and I wear bunches to school. People used to call me Big Ears Collins.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
A day in bed with my two dogs, watching Celebrity Come Dine With Me, First Dates or DIY SOS.
What scares you about getting older?
Losing my memory and not being able to work.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Not putting lids on jars.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Pedro Pascal.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
A radio presenter said I had yellow teeth – to my face. When I was 45, a manager in LA said I was too old to work in Hollywood; and then she rang my agent and said, “Can you tell your client never to wear that perfume again because it made me feel sick.”
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
Anonymity.
What do you owe your parents?
My mum sacrificed a lot for my sister and me. We lived in a one-bedroom flat, and she gave us her bedroom and slept on the sofa for years.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
Working in McDonald’s when I was 16. It was about 90p an hour. Because I was always late, they made me “trash walk” the length of Kentish Town high street and pick up the McDonald’s rubbish.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not getting into drama school when I was 17. In those days, the first thing people said was, “Where did you train?”
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If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I would have been better with money.
How often do you have sex?
Not enough – I am always too tired.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Sleep.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
That I am still creative.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worry – I am a terrible worrier.
How would you like to be remembered?
As somebody who loved people, was always curious, a loyal friend, a mother, wife, always positive and authentic.
What happens when we die?
I like to think that my friends, my auntie and my mum are up there having a big party and that I could join them.
