And now, in a case of life imitating art, Michelle, 51, has stepped out with her new toyboy beau who, at 29-years-old, is 22 years younger than her.
Michelle and shop worker Mike Davison first started dating four months ago after being set up by the actress' young niece, and things appear to be going from strength to strength for the couple.
New romance: Michelle Collins, 51, is dating 29-year-old shop owner Mike Davison
A source told 'It is still very early days, but Mike thinks Michelle is absolutely amazing.
'Things are going great and they are both really happy.'
Michelle and Mike have been working hard to keep their budding romance going, and are currently said to be dividing their time between London, where they both live, and Manchester, where the actress films Corrie.
Going well: Michelle and Mike have been dating for the past four months after being introduced by the actress' niece
Making it work: The pair have been dividing their time between Manchester, where they are pictured here, and London
Michelle has yet to officially comment on the fledgling romance, but hinted at it in a recent interview.
She said: 'I don’t want to tempt fate by talking about my personal life. I want to avoid the curse of celebrity magazines, where as soon as people reveal how blissfully in love they are it all falls apart!
'All I’ll say is I’m enjoying life right now.'
Life imitating art: Michelle's Corrie alter-ego
Stella Price is currently involved in an illicit affair with toyboy
Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas
Michelle has never been married, but has a teenage daughter Maia Rose from her relationship with Fabrizio Tassalini.
She has also been in relationships with cameraman Mark Waters and Parry Cockwell, to whom she was engaged before the pair called off their wedding and split in 2005.