Nikki Sanderson has opened up about her much-talked-about departure from Hollyoaks after more than a decade portraying the determined yet troubled Maxine Minniver.
In an exclusive conversation, the 40-year-old actress shared her thoughts on stepping away from the Channel 4 soap
and hinted at the possibility of a return to Coronation Street, where she first found fame.
Making her mark as Maxine in 2012, Nikki has been a staple on Hollyoaks for over ten years.
However, she first became a household name as Candice Stowe on Coronation Street, a role she played from 1999 to 2005.
With her exit from Hollyoaks now on the horizon, speculation has been rife about a potential return to Weatherfield.
Addressing these rumors, Nikki remains open-minded about the idea, stating, “Never say never is my approach.”
Reflecting on her time in the industry, she expressed a deep fondness for her early days on Coronation Street. “I love Candice, and I love Coronation Street, so I’d never close myself off to anything if they wanted me back in the future,” she shared. “That’s the exciting thing about what I do—you just never know what might happen next.”
She also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of show business, adding, “Who knew that when I was a little girl attending drama classes at The Carol Godby Theatre Workshop, I’d end up spending the next 30 years working because of them? I know the industry is much tougher now than it used to be, but I’m optimistic and believe I’ll achieve all my dreams. Having Anthony, my family, and my friends by my side makes all the difference.”
Nikki admitted that the decision to leave Hollyoaks was not an easy one, describing it as “incredibly difficult.” Yet, she felt that the timing was right to move on and explore new opportunities. Now venturing into a world of auditions once again, she recognizes how much the process has evolved since her early days in television. “Now, you have to do show reels and self-tapes, which is all new to me. Back then, you were simply in a room with a casting director,” she recalled. “It’s all about the digital CV now, whereas before, you had the Spotlight catalogue, which was like the Yellow Pages for actors.”
Despite the uncertainty that comes with leaving a long-running role, Nikki is embracing the challenge with both excitement and apprehension. “I’m eager to learn about this new world, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I know how this industry works, and there’s always a chance that I might not work again,” she admitted. “But I want to stay as positive as possible. I see myself in some amazing productions in the future, and I’ll do everything I can to make that happen.”
Beyond her career, Nikki also touched on her personal life, revealing how her relationship with former Hollyoaks actor Anthony Quinlan has been a major source of happiness. The couple, who have been together for three and a half years, live together in the North West and keep much of their romance out of the spotlight. “I don’t talk too much about my personal life, but I will say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” Nikki said with a smile. “Anthony is incredible.”
When asked about the possibility of marriage or children in the future, she remained coy but positive. “I’m in a wonderful, happy relationship, so let’s see what the future holds,” she said. “Anthony has been my rock, and he was incredibly supportive of my tough decision to leave Hollyoaks.”
As Nikki steps into this new chapter of her career, she does so with a blend of gratitude, excitement, and determination. With a wealth of experience behind her and a strong support system by her side, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what’s next for the talented actress.
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