After more than a decade playing Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks, Nikki Sanderson has made the difficult decision to step away from the show.
The actress, who has become a fan favorite through her portrayal of Maxine’s emotional and challenging storylines,
has spoken candidly about why she felt now was the right time to move on. With her final scenes set to air in May,
Sanderson has reflected on her journey and shared her hopes for the future.
A Heartfelt and Difficult Decision
Nikki Sanderson has admitted that leaving Hollyoaks was not an easy choice. Having played Maxine for so many years, the character became a significant part of her life.
In a recent interview, she explained that deciding to say goodbye to the role took a lot of thought and was something she struggled with.
“Deciding to leave was an incredibly difficult decision for me because Maxine is a huge, huge part of my life – and a part of my life that I’ve loved,” she revealed.
The actress took her time making the decision, consulting with those close to her before ultimately concluding that it was time to move on. While she is grateful for the stability Hollyoaks has provided, she is now ready to embrace the uncertainty of what comes next.
Embracing New Opportunities in Her Forties
One of the key factors influencing Sanderson’s decision to leave was reaching a personal milestone—turning 40. The actress shared that hitting this age made her reflect on her career and future opportunities.
“I know I’m older, and time is going fast, but I want to embrace it and be excited about my forties,” she said. “I’m more confident and comfortable in myself than I used to be, and I want to make the most of whatever exciting things might come my way.”
Rather than feeling apprehensive about what the future holds, she sees this new chapter as an opportunity to explore different roles and experiences.
Could She Return to Coronation Street?
With her departure from Hollyoaks, speculation has naturally arisen about whether Sanderson might return to her roots on Coronation Street. She originally played Candice Stowe on the soap from 1999 to 2005, and many fans would love to see her reprise the role.
When asked about the possibility, she kept an open mind, stating, “Never say never is my approach. I love Candice and I love Coronation Street, so I’d never close myself to anything if they did want me back in the future. That’s the exciting thing about doing what I do. You just never know what might happen next.”
While there is no official confirmation of a return, her enthusiasm for the show and her previous character suggests that if the opportunity arose, she might be willing to consider it.
A Lasting Impact on Hollyoaks
Sanderson’s portrayal of Maxine Minniver has left a lasting impression on Hollyoaks fans. Over the years, Maxine has been at the center of some of the soap’s most intense and emotional storylines, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome.
Her ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the role earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. It’s no surprise that her exit is expected to be dramatic and fitting for a character who has been through so much.
The Hollyoaks team has been working on her departure storyline for months, ensuring that Maxine’s exit will be memorable. While details remain under wraps, viewers can expect an emotional send-off for one of the show’s most beloved characters.
What’s Next for Nikki Sanderson?
While she may be leaving Hollyoaks, Sanderson’s future in television remains bright. She has already built an impressive career, with appearances in Holby City, Heartbeat, and Casualty in addition to her soap roles. Given her talent and experience, it’s likely she will have plenty of new opportunities coming her way.
Though she has no concrete plans yet, she is excited to see what the future holds. With her willingness to explore new projects and even consider a return to Coronation Street, it’s clear that Sanderson is keeping her options open.
A Fond Farewell
As she prepares to leave Hollyoaks, Sanderson is saying goodbye to a role that has defined a major part of her career. Fans will no doubt miss Maxine, but they can take comfort in knowing that the actress is ready for new adventures.
With her final scenes set to air in May, viewers will have a few more months to enjoy her performance before she moves on to the next chapter of her career. Whether she returns to Coronation Street, lands a new role, or takes on an entirely different challenge, one thing is certain—Nikki Sanderson’s journey in the entertainment industry is far from over.
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