Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (April 16) episode that is now available to view on Channel 4 streaming. The episode in question will air on E4 on at 7pm.
Despite appearing to have been shot dead, Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) made it out of the village alive and well with daughter Minnie (Eva Lorente).
The much-loved character, a mainstay of the Channel 4 soap for 12 years, faked her own death with the help of former flame Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) after learning that Grace Black (Tamara Wall) was planning to kill her.
Grace, as viewers know, has descended lower than ever, running a child exploitation operation in the village with Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) and DI Banks (Drew Cain).
After discovering that Maxine was in cahoots with a mole and had made a report to the police, Grace resolved to have Maxine taken out, with her orders overheard by Dodger.
Maxine was apprehended by Grace and held captive in The Loft, with Dodger instructed to prove his loyalty to the cause by eliminating Maxine.
In horrifying scenes, Dodger shot Maxine, with Grace – who was once Maxine’s close sister-in-law and friend – sporting a sinister grin in the aftermath.
Dodger resolved to get rid of the body and thus headed off on his own in a van.
However, a big twist beckoned as – in a remote location nearby – it was revealed that Maxine was still alive!
The whole shooting scenario was orchestrated by Dodger, who provided Max with a bulletproof vest and some fake blood to make her ‘death’ all the more believable.
Knowing she must leave the village at once, Maxine resolved to start a new life abroad with Minnie, urging Dodger to stay and take down the exploitation racket.
The paralegal-in-training, however, wanted to leave the village on her own terms and thus paid Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) a visit in prison.
Deputy Soaps Editor Stephen Patterson says…
As Maxine waves goodbye, it’s hard not to reflect on her time in the show and the impact she had while there.
And boy what an impact it was.
A constance presence in the village for nearly 13 years (14 years in-universe, counting the time jump), Maxine is undoubtedly one of Hollyoaks’ most recognisable faces, having been a part of the Channel 4 soap for almost half of its run.
From the highly-lauded domestic abuse story and the devastatingly real Long Walk Home episode – plus the Eric Foster story which followed -Maxine has taken centre stage in some of the serial’s most powerful narratives and star Nikki Sanderson never faltered in delivering powerhouse performances time and again.
Like all great soap characters, happiness always seemed to evade Maxine but that didn’t stop her from trying, which provided for many iconic moments, partnerships and storylines along the way.
The paralegal’s friendships with Sienna, James, Liberty, Dilly and Verity to name a few remain personal favourites of mine, and of course the dynamic between her and mum Trish provided for much light relief.
The phrase ‘end of an era’ springs to mind. Maxine will certainly be missed!
In emotive scenes, Max told Mercedes that – once she was settled safely aboard – she would take the fall for Abe Fielding’s (Tyler Conti) murder in order to secure Mercy’s freedom.
Mercedes was speechless and incredibly appreciative as Maxine asked for one thing in return – for Mercy to successfully take down Grace.
In heartfelt scenes, Maxine was reunited with daughter Minnie and, after a devastating farewell with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) and Dodger, she departed for pastures new.
No, you’re crying.
The question is: will Mercedes and Dodger be able to fulfil Maxine’s wish and take down Grace?
