Known as the tough and ruthless Cindy Beale from Eastenders, Michelle Collins will forever be a recognisable face to many.

Now, she's tackling a completely different role as an emotional mum from the North in Take That-inspired musical, Never Forget.

Collins, who starred in TV dramas Sunburn, Two Thousand Acres of Sky and Rock Rivals after a stint of more than 10 years in Eastenders, is looking forward to a change from the hard-faced parts she's attracted before.

"A while ago they offered me another part in the show but the timing wasn't right. Also, it was a bit obvious for me to do that role because it was quite similar to other characters I've played. This time it's a bit different, I'll be playing a Northern mum and I've never done the accent before.

"It's good to take parts people don't expect you to play."

The musical's cast have mostly been together for a couple of years now, but Collins and her new co-star Mitch Hewer (Skins) will be joining at the same time.

"It's a bit strange because I'm following them around the country at the moment.

"I did a big play earlier this year that was just me and one guy, so with this part there are not so many lines. Learning the lines is not going to be a problem this time.

"The problem would probably be fitting in, because everyone else has been doing it for so long, and me and Mitch are just coming in now."

Collins has starred in a musical before, the West End show Daddy Cool, but says this part doesn't call for much singing.

"Sadly there's not much singing in my part, but that's probably a fortunate thing for other people."

Just before switching on Croydon's Christmas lights, she tells go! a bit about the story and the part she'll be playing at Fairfield just before Christmas.

"The whole show is about my son who gets the band together.

"Our pub is about to be closed down, the bailiffs have been round, and times are hard. He decides he can try to help me keep the pub open by starting this band. He's like the Gary Barlow character.

"I ask him not to do it because we're very close, but like all good musicals it all turns out well in the end."

As a big Take That fan, Never Forget, which features all the boy band's classic hits, is a great show for Collins.

"I'm a great fan of Take That, but even if you didn't like Take That it wouldn't really matter - it's such a great feelgood show. That's what people need at times like these.

"I remember when I was doing Eastenders right back in the beginning and I was on a programme called Motormouth with Gaby Roslin and Andy Crane. It was one of Take That's first performances on the same show, I've liked them since then.

"I'm going to be singing along backstage. That's going to be hard, not being involved in all the music part of it."

For most of us, Collins may be better known as a TV actress, but the live stage is something she's been enjoying just as much.

"You get lots of satisfaction doing theatre because it's very instant. You get the audience reaction and there's nothing better than being able to see that. And if you're not happy with how you performed, you can do it all again the next night!

"I do love the theatre, but I also love doing telly. I've just filmed a Miss Marple that will be out in the new year. It was a great cast, with Edward Fox, Matthew Horne and Ruth Jones. I loved doing that."

Not content with the varied jobs she's been doing here, she's also been hopping across the pond to LA recently.

Earlier this year, our ex Eastender even landed an audition for the hit US series Desperate Housewives.

"I went to a general casting for Desperate Housewives and I've gone up for lots of other different things in LA, too. Desperate Housewives wasn't for a specific part really, so when they start filming again next year, who knows?

"The problem is, whenever I'm out there, I have to come back for a job here. Maybe next year I'll stay out there for a couple of months. I've been six or seven times in the last year. I wish I'd done it a long time ago when I didn't have so many commitments. Maybe I'll go out again for pilot season in January and February."

After such a huge role in one of the UK's most famous soaps, Collins says she's happy to continue with shorter projects for the moment.

"I was in Eastenders for 13 or 14 years altogether. The reason I left was that I wanted to be a jobbing actress and I didn't want a long running thing. I understand why people do it and it's a great experience. It gives you great stability and no one should knock that, especially these days.

"Only six per cent of actors are working. It's always been bad, but I'd hate to be starting out in the business now. It's so precarious.

"Now you've got people like Amanda Donohoe in Emmerdale and you think my God, who would've thought that? There is one soap I'd say yes to, but I won't say what it is - if you mention things, like with the Desperate Housewives audition, then everyone picks up on it."

Fans should also look out for upcoming projects from Collins's own new production company.

"I've loved starting up my own production company, it gives me control over what I can do. And I get to play some parts I really want!"

Never Forget is at Fairfield, Croydon from Tuesday, December 22 until Thursday, December 24.

Tickets from £15 (matinee), to buy and for times go to www.fairfield.co.uk or call 020 8688 9291.