Nikki Sanderson, a beloved actress who has spent more than a decade playing Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks,
recently made an emotional decision to leave the long-running soap.
In a candid interview, the 40-year-old star opened up about her departure, her personal life,
and the possibility of returning to Coronation Street, where she previously starred as Candice Stowe.
For Nikki, the choice to leave Hollyoaks was far from easy.
In fact, she describes it as an “incredibly difficult decision,” one that she struggled with for some time.
After spending over a decade portraying the resilient Maxine, whose storyline has featured some of the most intense and challenging moments on the soap, stepping away from the show was not a decision she made lightly. “Maxine is a huge, huge part of my life – and a part of my life that I’ve loved,” Nikki shared. “It wasn’t an instant or overnight decision. It took me a long time to make it, and it was something I genuinely fought with myself about.”
One of the key reasons behind Nikki’s departure is her milestone birthday. Turning 40 marked a period of self-reflection for the actress, prompting her to reconsider where she was in her life and career. Although she has no fear of aging, Nikki admits that the transition into her 40s has encouraged her to embrace new opportunities. “It feels like yesterday that I turned 21, but it also feels like it was 222 years ago,” she laughs. “I want to embrace it and be excited about my forties. I’m more confident and comfortable in myself than I used to be, and I want to make the most of whatever exciting things might come my way.”
Another driving factor in Nikki’s decision was the support she received from her boyfriend, actor Anthony Quinlan, who also has ties to the world of soaps, having starred on Hollyoaks as Gilly Roach. The couple, who have been together for over three years, share a deep connection, with Anthony providing much-needed guidance and emotional support throughout Nikki’s decision-making process. “I’m in a wonderful, happy relationship,” Nikki says of Anthony, who has been a steady presence in her life. “He’s been incredibly supportive of me in my tough decision to leave Hollyoaks.”
While Nikki may be leaving Hollyoaks, she’s far from saying goodbye to the world of acting altogether. The actress, who has spent much of her career in the spotlight, is open to future opportunities, including a potential return to Coronation Street. Having played Candice Stowe on Corrie from 1999 to 2005, Nikki has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the Weatherfield cobbles. “I love Candice and I love Coronation Street, so I’d never close myself to anything if they did want me back in the future,” Nikki explains. The idea of reprising her role in Weatherfield is something she holds dear, as Candice was an iconic character and remains a part of Nikki’s heart.
Despite her future being somewhat uncertain, Nikki is determined to focus on enjoying her time away from the pressures of the soap world. She plans to take this opportunity to recharge mentally and physically, indulging in things she hasn’t had time for in years, like relaxing weekend getaways and catching up on much-needed rest. “I’m going to indulge in that a bit while I can, decompress, and rest. I can recharge for a bit and then get cracking,” she says, excited about the possibility of new ventures in the future.
Looking back on her remarkable career, Nikki reflects on the role that her early experiences in acting played in shaping her. From her childhood at the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop to becoming a household name on Coronation Street and later Hollyoaks, Nikki’s journey has been marked by dedication and passion for her craft. “I’ve spent the last 30 years working because of it,” she says. “I’m positive and have faith that I’ll achieve all I dream of in life, especially having Anthony, my family, and my friends by my side.”
As for her next steps, Nikki is optimistic about the future, even if the road ahead remains unpredictable. With her talent, experience, and the support of those closest to her, Nikki is ready to embrace whatever comes next, whether it’s another acting role or something entirely different.
Whatever the future holds, Nikki Sanderson is sure to continue shining in both her personal and professional life.
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