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Hollyoaks Star Quits For Corrie?

BBG News

Nikki Sanderson has quit her role of Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks after 13 years.

However, the actress admits that making the choice to finish filming next month was very challenging for her. She shared this with The Mirror.

After reaching the age of 40, being in a relationship with supportive actor Anthony Quinlan (age 39), and having spent more than a decade portraying some of the soap opera’s most heart-wrenching moments, Nikki felt that the moment was perfect for her.

She shared with the media: “Making the choice to depart was immensely challenging for me, as Maxine holds such a significant, significant place in my life – a place that I cherish deeply.

Making the decision wasn’t easy; it required considerable thought and time. It wasn’t a quick or spontaneous choice, but one I struggled with for quite some time. However, I was fortunate enough to discuss my thoughts with those close to me and gather their insights.

I’m really thankful for the consistency I’ve experienced for such a long time. Now, it’s about embracing the uncertainty of not knowing what comes next.

Afterward, she made it clear that she hasn’t finished her time in the soap opera industry. If given the opportunity, she would rejoin Coronation Street, a show where she once portrayed the character Candice Stowe.

Nikki joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2012 and has become a huge fan favourite over the years. 

Over time, this prominent soap actor has been part of several intense plotlines. These have included experiencing domestic violence in her on-screen romance with Patrick Blake, a harrowing incident of sexual assault following a social outing, and her character being diagnosed with Munchausen’s Syndrome.

But now she’s decided to step back from her role as Maxine and explore other things.  

According to a source, Maxine was informed by higher-ups that her colleague decided to part ways, as she recently celebrated her 40th birthday and believed it was the perfect moment to bid farewell.

‘She’s keen to explore other opportunities and is excited to get back out there. 

For several months, plans have been underway among supervisors to craft an appropriate farewell narrative for Maxine. Viewers should anticipate a dose of intense drama leading up to her departure.

They added: ‘She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May.’

Hollyoaks isn’t the only TV show that Nikki has appeared in. 

Between 1999 and 2005, the star took on the role of Candice Stowe in ITV’s Coronation Stret,

In 2006 she appeared in Holby City as Monica Southworth. 

Between 2008 and 2009, Nikki portrayed Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat. Moreover, in 2012, she secured the role of Amy Harris in Casualty as well.

Over the years she’s also been nominated for a number of telly awards. 

She won Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards in 2014. 

The actress has earned nominations not only for Best Actress at The British Soap Awards, but also for Best Soap Actress at The TV Choice Awards and for the category of Serial Drama Performance at the NTAs.

2023 marked a significant milestone for Nikki’s character on the soap opera, as the storyline involving her and her husband, Patrick, had a profound impact on her character development. In essence, this initial major plotline molded her character into who she is seen as today.

Nikki mentioned that she’s experienced some extremely challenging, distressing, heartbreaking, agonizing, terrifying ordeals.

In my experience, when I found myself trapped in an abusive relationship at home, and endured numerous challenges over the years, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience and self-love.

In the toughest, bleakest moments of her life, she bravely confronted the challenges and emerged more resilient. Her determination wasn’t just about strengthening herself, but also for her child and those close to her.

I believe she possesses great strength of character because, no matter what challenges she encounters, she confronts them boldly and ultimately creates a more robust and hopeful future for herself.

Over the course of several years, it’s clear that Maxine consistently demonstrates remarkable strength in a variety of situations.

However, I believe some of the strongest moments have been when she publicly revealed Patrick as an abusive partner during their wedding, confessing to all what she endured, and ultimately mustering courage to attempt escaping the relationship by exposing him.

‘It took extreme strength to be able to do that.

It’s incredibly challenging and painful for someone to reveal an abuser, especially when they are already pregnant. This act of courage took place at their wedding, making the situation even more difficult.

Maxine aspired to demonstrate resilience, not only for her personal benefit, but also for her upcoming child. She aimed to create a secure, nurturing, and compassionate atmosphere for her child.

Nikki has been dating fellow soap star Anthony Quinlan since 2022.  

Hollyoaks airs on Channel 4 and is available to stream on channel4.com

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2025-03-01 15:21

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