Michelle Collins hits back at critics over new marriage age gap

Michelle Collins has hit back at those who have criticised her marriage to a man 22 years younger than her.

The 60-year-old EastEnders star married 38-year-old Mike Davidson in August after ten years together as a couple.

But Collins has taken to social media to answer critics of the relationship.

Read more: Michelle Collins describes 'emotional' wedding day after marrying partner of 10 years

She wrote: "I am so fed up with people obsessed with age. I don't care about it, it's others that care. Age is just a number."

The actor also shared a quote from Richard Gere which said: "I am old, but my heart is young. We always have the same years in our soul, I know it's the perfect age. Each year is special and precious and we can live in each. Don't regret getting old, it's a privilege that not everyone has."

Collins has previously hit out at those who call her a "cougar" because of the age difference.

Watch: Meet the couple with a 40 year age gap who have now celebrated their 17th anniversary

In 2018 she said: "Mike is 22 years younger than me and I'm regarded as a predator. It drives me mad. People call him my toyboy beau. He's nearly 35, for God's sake."

She added: "I laugh about it now but it is annoying. And I hate that word cougar. I can't stand it. I find it so demeaning. A cougar is a predator going around looking for young flesh. I'm certainly not like that."

Collins and Davidson married in August earlier this year after beginning dating in 2012 after being set up on a date by the EastEnders actor's niece.

It is the first time Collins has been married though she does have a daughter with former partner Fabrizio Tassalini who was born in 1996.

Collins last appeared as Cindy Beale in EastEnders in 1998. Since then, she has had a regular role in Coronation Street and appeared in Doctor Who, Casaulty and Death in Paradise.