EastEnders' Billy Mitchell star shares unexpected link to Cindy Beale actress

EastEnders star Perry Fenwick has opened up about his link to one of the BBC soap's most iconic characters, Cindy Beale.

Cindy, who was played by actress Michelle Collins from 1988 until her death in 1998, has made a comeback to Watford and Albert Square with viewers meeting her under the new identity of Rose Knight.

The former wife of Ian Beale made her shock return last week, after 25 years away from the BBC programme in a shock twist that sees her wed to newcomer George Knight who she shares two children with.

For Michelle, it was a welcome return, including finally getting the chance to work with pal Perry Fenwick who has played Billy Mitchell since 1998. The pair narrowly missed working together, but will finally get the chance to be in the BBC soap at the same time.

Perry, who has played Billy Mitchell since 1998, opened up about Cindy Beale's return to EastEnders (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Discussing Cindy Beale's return to Watford whilst at the TRIC Awards, which take place in London tonight, Perry told us: "I’ve actually known Michelle for years. Even my missus thought I knew Michelle from EastEnders, but we didn’t.

"Me and Michelle did an episode of Bergerac back in 1985. She texted me the other night and said it was 40 years ago we did that or whatever and I’ve known her ever since."

The actor also revealed that he never crossed paths with her on the BBC soap, until now: "Interesting thing is that when I came into the show it was the same week that Cindy was pronounced dead 25 years ago. So I’ve never worked with her on EastEnders."

Michelle Collins, who played Cindy Beale until 1998, has returned under her new name of Rose Knight (BBC)

Asked if he is looking forward to working with her, Perry said: "Yeah, yeah she’s a great girl. I’m looking forward to working with her.

"It’s up to them [the producers] how they rewrite it, bringing someone back who’s dead and all that – they did it with Gillian [Kathy Beale] and that worked alright.

"Neighbours even had a dog dreaming and that still worked. It’s not that it’s believable, it's just that you’ve got them back."

Perry also opened up about EastEnders colleague Danielle Harold leaving the soap after her character Lola died of a devastating brain tumour.

Perry Fenwick also praised his on-screen granddaughter Danielle Harold who has just exited the BBC soap after an emotional death storyline for her character Lola (Getty Images)

Perry vowed to 'give up acting' if Danielle isn't recognised for an award for her moving portrayal of Lola, who died of a brain tumour (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Praising his 31-year-old co-star Danielle, he added: “It was just a wonderful opportunity for Dani to leave on a note where she’s knocked it out of the park.

“If that girl doesn’t go on and do amazing things, then I give up this game. It would be a travesty if that doesn’t happen.”