I can't say I am warming to her that much, but I was never particularly bothered about the old Michelle, like others are!

This.

Granted I wasn't old enough to watch it when Sue was there, but I'm still seeing loads of fellow EE fans on Twitter say stuff like 'They should've left her in America on the end of the phone. It doesn't feel right IMO'.

It's like, really? Are certain characters literally impossible to recast now. Cos I remember similar [albeit not as fiery] rejection to James as the new Martin initially, and yet he's far outdone the old actor in every possible way.

I'm not seeing the long term plan with Michelle yet, given her secret is only likely that she's now homeless thanks to the Mark Jr reveal, but I hope that people come to at least tolerate [if not rate] her after she's settled in more.

All such overdramatic hullabaloo, imho.

That's all very well and good, but there's nothing to say that if the character returns that she will be played by the same actress, especially after 12 years. <dons tin hat >

You do have to wonder if some of the OTT outcry is longer-established fans trying to browbeat because being able to remember the original Michelle gives them some sort of a sense of superiority. Goodness knows why. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, accept that the world isn't perfect, make the best of things or give them up.

I've watched EE from day one and couldn't care less who's playing the character of Michelle. The fact that she is back is far more interesting than the actress having changed.... especially after two whole decades have passed.