Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.

Former EastEnders star Michelle Collins has revealed that she regrets taking part in Celebrity MasterChef last year as she opens up about her mental health.

The actress said that she had been struggling after losing her mother Mary to a two-year battle with cancer.

Speaking to Notebook, she recalled: "I did Celebrity MasterChef, and I was really in a bad way. Mentally I wasn't right and I shouldn't have done it. Then in April mum died, so last year wasn't a happy time for me.

michelle collins, 2020, eastenders, coronation street
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"We all go through times in our life when we suffer from mental health issues, and we should talk about it. I did write about it in my book, including the time when I attempted suicide.

"I've become much stronger as I've gotten older, but I still want to help other people as much as I can."

When Mary passed away in April, Collins confirmed the news on Instagram with a photograph of the two in a café, writing: "She was the strongest, kindest woman I knew. Fierce, protective, passionate, clever, funny, articulate. She gave Vicky and I our #drive and #hunger for life."

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She also thanked the Royal Free London NHS's oncology department for their work during her mum's battle with cancer.

Collins joined EastEnders as Cindy Beale in 1988 for two years and returning again in 1992, only to permanently leave the show in 1998.

She is also known for her role as Stella Price in another beloved soap, Coronation Street.


We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.