Nikki Sanderson has been seen in public for the first time since news broke that she is leaving Hollyoaks.
The actress, who has played Maxine Minniver on the long-running soap since 2012, was spotted enjoying a gym session, sparking further speculation about her next career move.
Last week, it was revealed that Nikki had officially decided to depart from the Channel 4 soap, with reports suggesting she has already filmed her final scenes.
Following the announcement, fans have been speculating that she might make a return to Coronation Street, the soap where she first gained fame as Candice Stowe.
Casual Outing After Big News
Nikki was photographed looking relaxed and happy as she headed to the gym with her longtime boyfriend, actor Antony Quinlan.
The Emmerdale star, who has been in a relationship with Nikki for three years, accompanied her as they stepped out for a workout session.
Dressed in casual sportswear, Nikki opted for a comfortable yet stylish look. She wore black leggings paired with a black Adidas jacket, completing her outfit with white trainers and oversized sunglasses. Her brunette hair was tied up in a high ponytail, keeping her look effortlessly chic.
The sighting marks the first time Nikki has been seen in public since her decision to leave Hollyoaks was made official, and she appeared to be in good spirits despite the major career shift.
Why Nikki Is Leaving Hollyoaks
Reports surfaced last week that Nikki had made the decision to move on from Hollyoaks to explore new career opportunities. The actress, who recently turned 40, reportedly felt it was the right time to say goodbye to Maxine Minniver after more than a decade in the role.
A source close to the actress shared details about her departure, stating:
“She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave. She’s 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.”
Soap executives have been planning Maxine’s exit storyline for several months, ensuring that her departure will be both dramatic and fitting for the beloved character. While details of how she will leave remain under wraps, fans can expect a gripping send-off when her final scenes air in May.
Speculation Over a Coronation Street Return
Nikki’s decision to exit Hollyoaks has sparked rumors about a potential return to Coronation Street. Before joining Hollyoaks in 2012, she was best known for her role as Candice Stowe on the ITV soap.
Introduced in 1999 as Sarah Platt’s best friend, Candice quickly became a fan favorite. Nikki played the role for six years, appearing in nearly 400 episodes before leaving in 2005.
With Coronation Street always open to bringing back former characters, some fans believe this could be the perfect time for Nikki to return to Weatherfield. While there has been no official confirmation of such a move, the speculation continues to grow.
What’s Next for Nikki Sanderson?
As Nikki prepares to leave Hollyoaks, many are wondering what’s next for the talented actress. While a return to Coronation Street remains a possibility, she could also explore opportunities in television dramas, films, or even reality TV.
Her departure from Hollyoaks is certainly a major shift, but with her experience and fan following, it’s likely that Nikki will have exciting projects lined up in the near future.
For now, fans can still enjoy seeing her as Maxine Minniver for a few more months before her final scenes air. With Hollyoaks known for high-stakes drama, viewers can expect a gripping farewell for the character.
When to Watch Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays through Wednesdays, with episodes premiering on Channel 4 streaming at 7am before being broadcast on E4 at 7pm. Full episodes are also available on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
As Nikki Sanderson prepares to bid farewell to Hollyoaks, fans will be watching closely to see where she goes next—and whether her future might lead her back to the cobbles of Coronation Street.
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