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Hollyoaks icon breaks silence on bombshell decision to leave soap after 12 years

One Hollyoaks actress, who has been a staple part of the soap’s lineup for well over a decade, has decided to move on and recently admitted that the decision has come at the “right time”

Maxine will be sorely missed from the show’s storyline(Image: Hollyoaks)

A Hollyoaks legend is leaving the show.

Nikki Sanderson has officially said her goodbyes to the soap after a remarkable 12-year run as Maxine Miniver. The 41 year old actress, who first graced the Channel 4 show in November 2012, has been central to some of the show’s most gripping storylines.

Her final scenes were broadcast on 16 April, where audiences watched Maxine leave the village by taxi with her daughter Minnie Minniver, but not without a twist.

It was unveiled that Dodger Savage, played by Danny Mac, and Maxine had staged her death after he shot her to demonstrate his loyalty to Grace Black, played by Tamara Wall.

Nikki has played the iconic Maxine for over 10 years(Image: Channel 4)
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As Dodger carried his girlfriend’s body away to “dispose” of, it was revealed that Maxine was still alive. Plans were then hatched for Maxine to flee the country with Minnie, who was delivered to her by Sienna Blake, played by Anna Passey, reports the Mirror.

Before exiting the village, Maxine visited Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) in prison under a false identity, promising to confess to Abe Fielding’s murder via video to secure her freedom – but only if she exacted revenge on Grace.

Maxine told Dodger that he couldn’t accompany them once they’d left and must remain to finish the undercover operation he started and seek the answers he needs.

Fans will be devastated to see her leave the soap(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

There were heartfelt goodbyes as Sienna, Dodger, Maxine and Minnie all bid each other farewell. Reflecting on her exit from the show, Nikki commented: “It’s the weirdest feeling because it’s an end of an era.”

The actress has opened up about her mixed feelings of excitement and sadness following the decision to leave the show, confessing: “It’s exciting but also really sad.”

Struggling to put her emotions into words, she continued: “It’s hard to describe how I’m feeling about it. It’s going to be very different and I’m kind of getting used to it I guess. It’s a different normal for me now.”

The actress believes her character has reached her peak: “I think she’s done everything she can possibly do and I’ve been very fortunate and extremely grateful for the things that I’ve been able to do within the character.”

Nikki also expressed thanks to the production team for their supportive approach to her departure: “When I went in for the meeting to say I thought it was my time to exit the show production were wonderful. We got discuss how it would work and they had ideas and I had ideas for it and what we ended up with I was really pleased with it.”

Despite moving on from Hollyoaks, Nikki admits she’ll miss it greatly, yet she is looking forward to future projects. The star continued: “I was very lucky I was given a dramatic last week. I will really miss Hollyoaks. It took a lot to make the decision and I will it so much but I’m excited to see what the future holds for me.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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