Hollyoaks' Nikki Sanderson in rival soap admission as she calls 'that's a wrap' (2025)

The actress recently spoke about her decision to bow out of her long-running role as Maxine Minniver in the Channel 4 soap

Nikki Sanderson has addressed whether she would make a return to Coronation Street as soap fans saw her officially leave Hollyoaks after 12 years.

The actress recently spoke about her decision to bow out of her long-running role as Maxine Minniver in the Channel 4 soap after she made her debut back in 2012.

Over the years, fans have seen Maxine face her fair share of struggles including domestic violence, a heartbreaking custody battle, and plenty of relationship ups and downs.

Her final scenes officially aired on Wednesday (April 16), with viewers witnessing Maxine's departure from the village by taxi, accompanied by her daughter Minnie Minniver, after it was thought she could have been killed by her love Dodger Savage.

Speaking out on Instagram after the episode, sharing a number of photos from her time as Maxine, Nikki said: "And that’s a wrap on Maxine Minniver. Today is my final episode after almost 13 years with the incredible show that is Hollyoaks.

"Maxine made her debut in 2012, storming into the village as a confident, mischievous, larger than life character with a cheeky sense of humour and a fierce sense of protection for the people she loved. Over the years she has been through some of the most traumatic life experiences but she always came out the other side stronger, more resilient and ready to take on the world!"I am proud I had the honour of portraying her and working on so many incredible storylines which hopefully have made an impact and difference to our viewers."

She continued: "My proudest moments have to be the domestic violence storyline with Jeremy Sheffield, and of course, the phenomenal episode that was The Long Walk Home, both working in conjunction with government’s campaigns to help, protect and save vulnerable people living these horrendous experiences.

"I will miss her and the show so much, but most of all I will miss the extraordinary people who work at Lime Pictures, they are the heartbeat of the show. They don’t get the praise they deserve. Hollyoaks can sometimes be given a hard time, but I can honestly say I have spent over a decade working with some of the most talented, creative, kind people. Thank you to you all, it’s been an honour working with you.

"Thank you Hollyoaks, Channel 4 and Lime Pictures for the incredible opportunity of having my creative home with you for so long - and to Bryan Kirkwood, Rob and the team for creating Maxine, she has been a blessing."Thank you Carol for being there for me for the last 30 years, sculpting the strongest foundations for me and my career and being my biggest cheerleader. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today. And to my amazing boyfriend, Mum, family and friends for always being there for me. I am so grateful to you all for your endless support and love."

The 41-year-old rounded her post off by writing: "And my biggest thank you of all goes to the incredible fans of the show for the unbelievable support throughout the years, you are the reason the show exists and truly thrives. Maxine Minniver, over and out…"

After the news of her Hollyoaks exit was previously revealed, fans pondered whether this could open the door for Nikki's return to Weatherfield as Candice Stowe after 20 years.

Long-time Corrie fans will remember that during Candice's time on the soap, from 1999 to 2005, she was involved in a number of failed love storylines, including when she slept with her boyfriend Todd Grimshaw’s older brother Jason.

She had her heart broken by promising footballer Warren Baldwin when he left Weatherfield to play for a Spanish team. Candice also dated Adam Barlow but she cut that short when Status Quo offered her a job as a stylist and dumped him in a text message.

Now, asked if she would go back to Corrie, Nikki told Digital Spy: "I have been asked that question honestly thousands of times for 20 years, more so since I said I was leaving Hollyoaks!

"As I always say, never say never. I had the most incredible time at Coronation Street and absolutely adored my character Candice. She was another force of nature and incredible to play."

She continued: "I also had the most incredible time at Hollyoaks. I'm very blessed that I've been able to play two really fantastic characters in two incredible soaps.

"If I'm asked whether I'd ever go back to a soap, the answer is of course I would, if the right opportunity and storyline came up, then it’s a never say never situation."