
Hollyoaks fans are buzzing with theories as they attempt to unravel how Maxine Minniver will bid farewell to the village.

The speculation comes after reports surfaced that actress Nikki Sanderson is set to leave the long-running Channel 4 soap after more than a decade in the role.
Maxine has been at the heart of some of the show’s most dramatic storylines since she arrived in 2012,
enduring domestic abuse, a devastating custody battle, and numerous heartbreaks.

However, with her departure now confirmed, viewers are eager to find out how her story will come to an end—and many believe they’ve already figured it out.

Nikki Sanderson’s Decision to Leave

According to The Sun, Nikki Sanderson has decided to move on from Hollyoaks in pursuit of new opportunities. A source reportedly revealed:
“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. She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May.”
While her exit is now certain, the big question remains—how will Maxine be written out of the soap?
Will Maxine Become Jez Blake’s Next Victim?
One of the most popular fan theories suggests that Maxine will fall prey to the village’s latest serial killer, Jez Blake, played by Jeremy Sheffield.
Jez has already left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of Abe Fielding and Dilly Harcourt. Now, with Maxine getting dangerously close to uncovering his dark secrets, fans fear she could be next on his hit list.

In upcoming episodes, Maxine’s suspicions about Jez grow after Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) voices concerns that Jez may have killed his pet cat. Determined to uncover the truth, Maxine begins snooping around and reportedly stumbles upon chilling evidence—including what appears to be a murder journal that confirms Jez is a killer.
However, just as she prepares to call the police, Jez catches her red-handed and snatches her phone from her grasp. With his deadly track record, could this mean the end for Maxine?
Social Media Frenzy Over Maxine’s Fate
As news of Nikki Sanderson’s departure spread, Hollyoaks fans took to social media to discuss their theories. Many are convinced that Maxine’s fate is sealed and that she won’t make it out of the village alive.
One fan speculated on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“Nikki Sanderson has confirmed she’s leaving. I’m sure it’s one of two things—Maxine gets caught up in the human trafficking plot, or she’ll be one of Jez’s victims. She’s a fantastic actress, but what else can her character go through?”

Another viewer shared their thoughts, saying:
“I can’t decide if Maxine will be a victim of Jez, a victim of Banks, or if she’ll actually leave on her own terms for a fresh start.”
A third added:
“Apparently, Maxine is leaving, so she’s probably going to be killed off by Jez.”
A Tragic End or a New Beginning?
While many fans believe that Maxine’s exit will be a tragic one, others are hopeful that she might get a happier ending.
Her rekindled romance with Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) recently sparked hope for a possible future together. However, given Hollyoaks’ history of dramatic and shocking departures, viewers remain skeptical about the chances of Maxine riding off into the sunset.
If she does manage to escape Jez’s clutches, she may choose to leave the village for good, starting fresh in search of a peaceful life away from the chaos that has followed her for years.

What’s Next for Nikki Sanderson?
With Nikki Sanderson’s exit from Hollyoaks confirmed, fans are eager to see what’s next for the actress. Having previously starred in Coronation Street as Candice Stowe, some have speculated that she could return to Weatherfield. Others believe she may take on new acting roles in dramas, reality TV, or even a completely different genre.
Whatever her next move may be, her departure marks the end of an era for Hollyoaks, and Maxine’s exit—whether tragic or hopeful—will undoubtedly be one to remember.
Final Thoughts
Maxine Minniver’s final moments on Hollyoaks are shaping up to be a major talking point among fans. Whether she falls victim to Jez Blake, gets caught up in another dangerous storyline, or manages to escape to a new life, one thing is certain—her departure will leave a lasting impact on the show.
For now, fans can only wait and speculate, but as her final scenes approach, all eyes will be on Hollyoaks to see how Maxine’s story finally comes to an end.
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