Steph Waring has been photographed back on the Hollyoaks set at Lime Pictures studios in Liverpool, seemingly confirming Cindy Cunningham's dramatic return to the village two years after her departure. The actress, dressed casually in a blue shirt, denim jeans, and a dark denim jacket, was seen holding her script, settling back into the routine as if she had never left.
Character Background and Departure
Cindy Cunningham was last seen on screen in September 2024, when she left the village permanently after the heartbreaking death of her daughter, Ella Richardson. Fans were stunned when the character was written out, and Waring departed after 28 years on the show.
At the time, Waring expressed her disappointment about leaving due to episode and budget cuts. She announced: "I am heartbroken to announce that my character of Cindy has been included in the actors reduction of Hollyoaks." Reflecting on her final day, she added: "Today I had to say goodbye to some crew members I have been working with for the last 16 years... It just hit me like a thunderbolt."
Return to Filming
Waring's return marks a significant moment for the soap, as Cindy has been involved in some of Hollyoaks' most dramatic storylines, including becoming pregnant at 15 and being one of the first soap characters to authentically portray living with bipolar disorder. Viewers will have to wait to discover what Cindy has been doing since her last appearance, but drama is expected to follow.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm, with first-look episodes streaming on Channel 4 from 7am.
