Nikki Sanderson has officially left her role as Maxine Miniver on Hollyoaks after 12 years, with her final scenes airing on Wednesday (April 16). The 41-year-old actress, who joined the Channel 4 soap in November 2012, was at the centre of some of the show's most gripping storylines.
In her dramatic exit, viewers saw Maxine depart the village in a taxi with her daughter Minnie Minniver, but with a twist. It was revealed that Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) and Maxine had faked her death after he shot her to prove his loyalty to Grace Black (Tamara Wall). As Dodger took the 'body' to dispose of it, it was unveiled that Maxine was still alive. Plans were made for her to escape the country with Minnie, brought to her by Sienna Blake (Anna Passey).
Before leaving, Maxine visited Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) in prison under a different identity, telling her she would confess to Abe Fielding's murder via video to secure her freedom – but only if she sought revenge on Grace. Maxine informed Dodger that he could not join them and must stay to complete his undercover operation. Emotional farewells followed between Sienna, Dodger, Maxine and Minnie.
Reflecting on her departure, Sanderson said: 'It's the weirdest feeling because it's an end of an era. It's exciting but also really sad. It's hard to describe how I'm feeling about it. It's going to be very different and I'm kind of getting used to it I guess. It's a different normal for me now.'
She added: 'I think she's done everything she can possibly do and I've been very fortunate and extremely grateful for the things that I've been able to do within the character.' Sanderson praised the production team for their collaboration on her final storyline, saying: 'When I went in for the meeting to say I thought it was my time to exit the show production were wonderful. We got to discuss how it would work and they had ideas and I had ideas for it and what we ended up with I was really pleased with it.'
Sanderson expressed her sadness at leaving but excitement for new opportunities: 'I will really miss Hollyoaks. It took a lot to make the decision and I will miss it so much but I'm excited for what the future holds for me. For myself, as Nikki, as an actor, I've been acting since I was a little girl. I don't know any different, it's what I love to do and it's my passion.'
