Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson has been seen in public for the first time since news broke of her departure from the long-running Channel 4 soap.
The actress, who has played Maxine Minniver since 2012, recently filmed her final scenes,
sparking widespread speculation about her next career move—including rumors that she could make a dramatic return to Coronation Street.
Nikki Spotted Out and About
Days after her Hollyoaks exit was revealed, Nikki, 40, was photographed looking relaxed and casual while heading to the gym.
She was dressed in a sporty outfit, donning black leggings, a black Adidas jacket, white trainers, and sunglasses.
Her brunette hair was tied back in a high ponytail, keeping her look simple yet stylish.
Accompanying Nikki on her gym visit was her long-term boyfriend, former Emmerdale actor Antony Quinlan. The couple, who have been together for three years, appeared to be enjoying a casual outing as they strolled to their workout session.
This public sighting comes amid growing speculation over Nikki’s next move following her Hollyoaks departure. Fans are eager to know whether she will be stepping back into the world of soaps—or venturing into something completely new.
Why Is Nikki Leaving Hollyoaks?
Nikki’s decision to leave Hollyoaks comes after over a decade of playing the beloved character Maxine Minniver. A source close to the actress recently shared that she felt the time was right to move on and explore new opportunities.
“She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave,” the source revealed. “She had just turned 40 and felt it was the right moment to say goodbye to Maxine. She’s keen to take on new projects and is excited about what the future holds.”
Hollyoaks bosses have reportedly been working on a dramatic exit storyline for Maxine, ensuring that her departure will be memorable. The storyline has been in the works for months, and viewers can expect an emotional and fitting send-off for the character before Nikki’s final scenes air in May.
Could Nikki Return to Coronation Street?
Since news of her Hollyoaks exit broke, speculation has been rife that Nikki may be considering a return to Coronation Street, the soap where she first rose to fame. From 1999 to 2005, she portrayed Candice Stowe, the best friend of Sarah Platt. Candice was known for her rebellious nature, on-again-off-again romances, and dream of becoming a famous hairdresser.
Although Candice left the cobbles nearly two decades ago, fans believe that now could be the perfect time for her to return. With so many familiar faces making a comeback in recent years, it wouldn’t be out of the question for Coronation Street bosses to welcome Nikki back to Weatherfield.
So far, Nikki has not confirmed any plans to return to the ITV soap, but the speculation continues to grow. Whether she is eyeing a return to the Street or seeking a fresh new challenge in television or film remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Nikki Sanderson?
While fans eagerly wait to see how Maxine’s story concludes in Hollyoaks, Nikki has remained tight-lipped about her next move. However, she has always been an in-demand actress, and with years of experience in the soap world, she could take her career in many different directions.
Her departure from Hollyoaks marks the end of a significant chapter, but it also opens the door to exciting new opportunities. Whether she chooses to return to Coronation Street, explore new acting roles, or even step into a completely different industry, Nikki’s future looks bright.
For now, all eyes are on Hollyoaks to see how Maxine’s story will unfold—and if Nikki will make a surprise return to the world of soaps in the near future.
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