A HOLLYOAKS star has broken her silence as she quit the soap after 12 years.
The Sun revealed in February that Nikki Sanderson was leaving the soap and had filmed her final scenes.
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Fans had theorised her character Maxine Minniver could meet a grim end.
In her final scenes aired on April 16, Maxine departed the village in a taxi with daughter Minnie – although there was a twist.
It was revealed Dodger (Danny Mac) faked Maxine’s death in a bid to prove his loyalty to Grace Black (Tamara Wall).
But after taking her body away to “dispose”, it was shown Maxine was still alive.
She ultimately then made plans to escape the country alongside Minnie.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, Nikki shared: “It’s the weirdest feeling because it’s an end of an era.
“It’s exciting but also really sad. 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 added: “I’ve been very, very blessed that I’ve been able to do some wonderful things at Hollyoaks but after so many years of incredible storylines it gets to a point where what else can we do with the character.”
Having debuted in 2012, Maxine featured in storylines including domestic violence and miscarrying a baby.
Watch the moment Hollyoaks’ Warren Fox punches son Joel in the face as he makes explosive return to soap
Taking to Instagram, Nikki also penned a poignant message to the show’s audience.
She wrote: “And that’s a wrap on Maxine Minniver.
“Today is my final episode after almost 13 years with the incredible show that is Hollyoaks.
“Maxine made her debut in 2012, storming into the village as a confident, mischievous, larger than life character with a cheeky sense of humour and a fierce sense of protection for the people she loved.
“Over the years she has been through some of the most traumatic life experiences but she always came out the other side stronger, more resilient and ready to take on the world!
“I am proud I had the honour of portraying her and working on so many incredible storylines which hopefully have made an impact and difference to our viewers.”
Nikki went on to thank her family, the show, Channel 4 and Lime Pictures – as well as the creative team for the “blessing” of Maxine.
She concluded: “And my biggest thank you of all goes to the incredible fans of the show for the unbelievable support throughout the years, you are the reason the show exists and truly thrives.”
Insiders previously revealed that Nikki, who has been dating Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan for three years, had decided to move on to give herself more freedom to try other roles.
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
A source told The Sun: “She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she’d just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.
“She’s keen to explore other opportunities and is excited to get back out there.
“Bosses have been plotting Maxine’s exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.”
Fans have speculated Nikki could reprise her Coronation Street role as Candice Stowe.
She portrayed Sarah Platt’s best friend in 400 episodes from 1999 to 2005.
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