Nikki Sanderson has confirmed that she is leaving Hollyoaks after more than a decade on the show.
The actress, who has portrayed Maxine Minniver since 2012, revealed the news in a recent interview, sharing her reasons for stepping away from the long-running soap.
While she has no immediate projects lined up, she remains open to future opportunities—
including a potential return to Coronation Street, the show that first made her a household name.
A Difficult Decision to Say Goodbye
After 13 years in the role, Sanderson admitted that deciding to leave Hollyoaks was not an easy choice.
She described Maxine as a significant part of her life and one she has deeply cherished. Speaking about the decision, she revealed that it took time to reach a conclusion, as she struggled with whether it was the right move. Ultimately, after much consideration and conversations with those close to her, she felt it was time to take a leap of faith.
Despite the uncertainty that comes with leaving a stable role, Sanderson expressed gratitude for the long-running opportunity she had with Hollyoaks. Now, she is ready to embrace new possibilities, even though she acknowledges that stepping into the unknown can be daunting.
Why Now? A New Chapter in Her Career and Life
One of the key reasons behind Sanderson’s decision to leave the show is the milestone she reached last year—turning 40. She shared that hitting this age made her reflect on what she wants to achieve next. While she still feels young at heart, she also recognizes how fast time is moving and wants to make the most of her career and personal life.
Sanderson emphasized that her confidence and self-assurance have grown over the years, and she is excited to explore new opportunities with a renewed sense of ambition. Though she does not yet have a new role lined up, she is looking forward to what the future holds.
A Strong Support System
Sanderson credited her boyfriend, Anthony Quinlan, as one of the key people who helped her through this decision. Quinlan, who also has experience in the soap world—having starred in Hollyoaks before moving on to Emmerdale—has been a pillar of support for her. She explained that having someone who understands the challenges of making a big career change made the transition easier.
She described Quinlan as her rock, adding that he offered valuable advice and encouragement as she weighed her options. She also expressed gratitude for the support of her family and friends, noting that she feels lucky to have people in her life who genuinely care about her happiness and career choices.
What’s Next? Taking Time Before Her Next Move
Although Sanderson remains passionate about acting, she is not in a rush to jump into a new project immediately. For the first time in years, she is allowing herself the freedom to take a break, travel, and enjoy life without a rigid work schedule. She mentioned how refreshing it is to have the flexibility to take spontaneous trips or spend time with loved ones without worrying about filming commitments.
That said, she remains eager to return to acting when the right opportunity presents itself. Sanderson has been in the industry since she was young and has no plans to step away permanently. She expressed excitement about what the future may bring and is keeping an open mind about potential roles.
Could Candice Stowe Return to Coronation Street?
Before joining Hollyoaks, Sanderson was well-known for her role as Candice Stowe on Coronation Street, a part she played from 1999 to 2005. Given her history with the show, speculation has already begun about whether she could return to Weatherfield.
When asked about the possibility, Sanderson didn’t rule it out. She admitted that she still has a deep fondness for Coronation Street and her character. While nothing is currently in the works, she made it clear that she would never say never to a potential return.
Sanderson reflected on how much the show meant to her and acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. She knows opportunities can arise when least expected, and she remains hopeful about what the future holds.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As she moves into this next phase of her career, Sanderson is maintaining a positive outlook. She understands that the acting industry is competitive, but she has faith in her abilities and is confident that new doors will open for her.
With strong support from her loved ones and a determination to make the most of new opportunities, Sanderson is ready for whatever comes next. Whether that means stepping into an entirely new role or making a return to one of her former shows, she is embracing the journey ahead with excitement and optimism.
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