Nikki Sanderson has confirmed her departure from Hollyoaks after more than a decade,
revealing she is stepping away from the long-running soap with no immediate plans for her next role.
The 40-year-old actress, known for playing Maxine Minniver since 2012, has spoken openly about her decision, describing it as a difficult but necessary step in her career.
Originally from Blackpool, Nikki made her first major television appearance as Candice Stowe on Coronation Street, a role she held from 1999 to 2005.
Now, with her Hollyoaks journey coming to an end, speculation has arisen about whether she might return to the iconic cobbled streets of Weatherfield.
Addressing the possibility, Nikki admitted she is keeping an open mind. “Never say never is my approach,” she teased.
Reflecting on her time in Coronation Street, Nikki expressed her fondness for both the character of Candice and the show itself.
“I love Candice and I love Coronation Street, so I’d never close myself off to anything if they did want me back in the future. That’s the exciting thing about being an actor – you never know what opportunities might come your way.”
After years of stability on Hollyoaks, Nikki is preparing to re-enter the world of auditions, a process that has evolved significantly since she last sought new roles. “Back in the day, you’d just walk into a room with a casting director, but now it’s all about showreels and self-tapes,” she explained. “The industry has changed so much, but I’m eager to embrace it. Of course, there’s always the fear that you might never work again, but I’m staying positive and keeping my sights set on incredible new projects.”
Leaving Hollyoaks was no easy decision, and Nikki acknowledges that she will miss the show and her character immensely. However, she feels the time is right to challenge herself in new ways. “It was an incredibly difficult choice, but I want to explore different roles and see what else is out there for me. It’s a scary step, but one I’m excited about.”
Supporting her throughout this transition is her longtime partner, fellow actor Anthony Quinlan. The couple, who have been together for over three years, first went public with their relationship in 2022 but prefer to keep their romance largely private. “Anthony has been my rock through all of this. He’s been so supportive of my decision, and having him by my side makes it all feel a little less daunting,” Nikki shared.
While she remains focused on her career for now, Nikki is also embracing happiness in her personal life. When asked about the possibility of marriage or children, she simply smiled and said, “I’m in a wonderful, happy relationship, and I’m just excited to see what the future holds.”
As she embarks on this next chapter, Nikki is both nostalgic about her past roles and optimistic about what lies ahead. Whether she returns to her soap roots or ventures into completely new territory, one thing is certain – her fans will be eagerly following her journey.
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