Hollyoaks beauty Nikki Sanderson’s character Maxine Minniver has had a rocky journey since arriving in 2012.
She’s endured an abusive marriage, hidden her husband’s dead body, had a miscarriage, seen her boyfriend murdered in front of her and become a pariah after suffering from Munchausen syndrome.
The star is used to soap drama though, as she first found fame as Candice Stowe on Coronation Street, catapulting her into fame as she appeared on front covers and earned the big bucks.
Luckily, actress Nikki Sanderson’s real life is a lot less high octane than her soap alter-ego’s as Daily Star takes a look into her love life and stunning home.
Early life
Nikki, 37, was born on 18th March 1984 in Blackpool.
Her first on screen acting role was on Children’s Ward before she landed a dream role on Coronation Street in 1999. Nikki played Candice Stowe, supportive best friend of Sarah-Louise Platt (Tina O’Brien).
Hairdresser Candice shared plenty of scenes with Corrie icon Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and had numerous romantic disasters. She had one of the best-ever Corrie exits in 2005, when Candice left Weatherfield to be a tour stylist for rockers Status Quo.
Lads’ mags
Gorgeous Nikki is still in demand for fashion photo shoots, and does paid partnerships with brands on her Instagram.
In the Noughties she was a favourite of the lads’ mags, regularly appearing on the likes of FHM She spoke fondly of those days last year, telling The Mirror that she had framed magazine covers on her walls at home.
“In that era, late 90s, that’s what people did,” she said. “Every soap girl did those magazines. It was normal in those days.
“They’re 15 years old, but I’m proud to look at them and think, ‘Ooh, at one point in my life I looked like that.’”
Depression
Nikki has played kind hearted Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks since 2012. Her character has been involved in some incredibly challenging storylines, including a long running depiction of domestic violence.
Nikki herself has also had some struggles, and at the height of lockdown she opened up about the depression she experienced in her 20s.
“If I go from a busy lifestyle to nothingness it’s very hard,” she said. “It’s bad for my mental health, feeling empty, so I try to keep my mind motivated.
“I suffered depression in my 20s and it was a very, very, bad time,” she said.
“I’m lucky my mind is healthy now. But I have to stay busy to avoid the feeling of a lull. I’m fortunate I always have someone at the end of the phone.
“At Hollyoaks they email us all the time, reminding us they’re there and checking in on us. That’s hugely helpful.”
Outside of her soap role, petite Nikki showed her resilience on last year’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. She impressed viewers with her endurance as she carried 18-stone boxer Tony Bellew on her back.
Starved, sleep deprived and soaking wet, hardcore Nikki was one of the few celebs to last the distance.
Love split
Nikki dated her Corrie co-star and on screen love interest Danny Young – who played Warren Baldwin – for four years.
In July 2020 she announced that she had split from her partner of five years, Greg Whitehurst.
“Sadly, Greg and I have decided to separate. We remain friends and wish the best for each other in the future,” she said.
Nikki and Greg’s relationship had caused some controversy when they first got together in 2015, as it was just ten months after he got married. Nikki had attended the wedding, and in 2016 she set the record straight on Loose Women, saying she was not a “home wrecker.”
She has since joined dating app Bumble.
Beautiful home
Nikki has given fans a look at her stunning home, and occasionally she asks for interiors advice.
Her kitchen has white door panels with wooden worktops, an under-mounted sink and gas hob. There’s also a huge fridge and a breakfast bar.
The bathroom features a vintage-style bath with two sinks.
In the bedroom, there’s a huge bed with an enormous patterned headboard.
The house also features a charming wood burning fireplace in the living room, as well as as a smart and comfy two piece sofa.
Hollyoaks continues at 6.30pm weekdays on Channel 4.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
