Nikki Sanderson quits Hollyoaks after 13 years of playing Maxine Minniver

Hollyoaks has been a staple of British television since its debut in 1995, captivating audiences with its gripping storylines and dynamic characters. Over the years, the show has tackled hard-hitting topics, making it a standout among soap operas. However, 2025 has already been a year of change for the series, and fans have been hit with a series of hard news since—including the deaths of Diane Langton and Paul Danan.

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Earlier this year, Hollyoaks fans were shocked when Ryan Mulvey left the show after playing JJ Osborne in one of its most controversial storylines. His character was central to a dark and emotional plot involving abuse within his family, culminating in a dramatic court case. Shortly after his exit, Mulvey was announced as a new cast member on Coronation Street, marking a major career move.

Now, another significant departure has been announced—Nikki Sanderson has decided to say goodbye to her role as Maxine Minniver after 13 years.

Nikki Sanderson quits Hollyoaks – here’s why

For over a decade, Nikki Sanderson has been a staple in Hollyoaks, portraying Maxine Minniver. Since joining the Channel 4 soap in 2012, her character has been involved in some of its most powerful storylines. However, Sanderson has now decided it’s time to move on.

According to The Sun, a source revealed:

She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she’d just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.

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

Her departure won’t be immediate – she is set to film her final scenes next month, with her last appearance airing in May. This means Hollyoaks has had time to craft a dramatic exit for Maxine. The source added:

Bosses have been plotting Maxine’s exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.

She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May.

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Nikki’s journey on Hollyoaks

Throughout her time on Hollyoaks, Nikki’s character, Maxine, has been at the centre of some of the soap’s most gripping storylines.

One of her most memorable arcs occurred in 2013 which was her abusive relationship with Patrick Blake, a storyline that helped bring awareness to domestic violence. Reflecting on this in 2023, she told Digital Spy:

She has been through some incredibly difficult, traumatic, hurtful, painful, frightening situations.

For instance, when she was in the domestic-abuse relationship, and everything that she's faced throughout the years.

She recalled how Maxine found the courage to expose Patrick's abusive nature on their wedding day, marking a pivotal moment in her journey. Admitting the truth and standing up for herself took immense bravery, and it was a defining moment that showcased Maxine's determination to break free from the cycle of abuse. She told Digital Spy:

Even in her most difficult, darkest times, she's faced it head on and she's come out of it stronger — not only wanting to be stronger for herself but stronger for her daughter and the people around her.

Adding:

That is why I think she is a strong character, due to the fact that everything that she's been through, she faces it head on and makes a better, stronger, brighter future for herself afterwards.

She also took part in the government-backed ‘This is Abuse’ campaign, which aimed to highlight the realities of coercive control and domestic violence.

Last autumn, Maxine’s storyline tackled another harrowing issue—sexual assault after a night out. The episode, titled The Long Walk Home, was widely praised for shedding light on the dangers women face in public spaces. Nikki spoke about the importance of this storyline, explaining:

It was an incredibly important subject to cover.

It is very relevant and it is happening day to day. We hear about it day to day, unfortunately. It's something that I feel Hollyoaks delivered powerfully, but also very sensitively.

I think it was important to do it and important to show it and show all the different areas to that subject.

Her character has been through the thick of it on the show, having been diagnosed with Munchausen’s syndrome, a psychological disorder in which an individual deliberately fabricates, exaggerates, or induces illness in themselves to gain attention or sympathy.Additionally, she battled serious relationship struggles, and faced heartbreaking custody battles.

Hollyoaks fans speculate what will happen to Nikki’s character Maxine

Now, with Nikki’s exit confirmed, Hollyoaksfans have been speculating about how Maxine Minniver’s story will end—and the theories are intense.

According to The Sun, viewers believe her departure could be tragic. A fan theory on Reddit suggests that Maxine may fall victim to Jez, a character suspected of being a serial killer.

As per the conspiracy theory, Maxine may become suspicious of Jez, in the coming episodes, after another character, Ste, suspects him of harming his pet. She may dig deeper and end up finding supposedly incriminating evidence like a murder journal. The theory suggests that before she can alert the police, Jez would catch her and kill her.

While some fans fear the worst, others hope she will get a more hopeful send-off than getting murdered by her abuser’s twin. One said: