Latest news with #MaxineMinniver
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hollyoaks' Nikki Sanderson and Emmerdale star give 'happy' update following soap exit
The former Hollyoaks star, 41, has updated fans after quitting the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson has updated fans following her soap exit after 13 years. The actress, 41, debuted her character Maxine Minniver on the Channel 4 show back in 2012 and featured in some major storylines, including domestic violence and miscarrying a baby. In April 2025, Maxine departed the village in a taxi after making plans to escape the country alongside her daughter, Minnie. Following her soap exit, Nikki has shared a stunning selfie alongside her former Emmerdale star boyfriend Anthony Quinlan, who played Peter Barton on the ITV soap. Taking to Instagram, the pair, who have been dating since 2022, posed for a photo and shared their 'happiness' as they enjoyed a holiday together in Majorca, Spain. Nikki captioned the post: "Another happy holiday had. A short break in the place we love the most." Fans of the two soap stars wasted no time in flooding the comments section with their well wishes for the couple, with one person writing: "Awww you both look really well and happy." A second said, "Lovely picture. I hope you are having a lovely holiday. You look gorgeous." A third gushed, "You make such a lovely couple." Nikki revealed in March that she had quit Hollyoaks after starring as Maxine Minniver for 13 years. Before filming her final scenes in April, the actress told The Mirror that the decision to walk away was 'incredibly difficult'. She explained: "Deciding to leave was an incredibly difficult decision for me because Maxine is a huge, huge part of my life – and a part of my life that I've loved. "It's difficult to think, 'It's time', and it wasn't an instant or overnight decision, it took me a long time to make it and it was something I genuinely fought with myself about, but I'm lucky that I could talk to people around me and get people's opinions." Nikki added: "I'm grateful that I've had the stability for so long, now I've just got to embrace the instability of not knowing what's next." She also confirmed that she is not done with the soap world and would jump to Coronation Street if given the chance. Between 1999 and 2005, the star took on the role of Candice Stowe in ITV's Coronation Street. A year later, Nikki appeared in Holby City as Monica Southworth. Between 2008 and 2009, Nikki played Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat, and in 2012, she also landed the role of Amy Harris in Casualty.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson puts on a loved-up display with her boyfriend Anthony Quinlan after quitting Channel 4 soap
Nikki Sanderson looked more loved-up than ever as she shared a sweet snap with her boyfriend, Anthony Quinlan, to Instagram on Wednesday. The former Hollyoaks star, 41, who has been in a relationship with the former Emmerdale actor since 2022, cut a casual figure in an all-black ensemble. She cut a sporty figure in skintight leggings and a casual jumper as she attended what appeared to be a sporting event. In the sweet snapshot, Nikki wrapped her arms around her partner's waist and looked adoringly up at him as they posed for the cameras. Meanwhile, Anthony, 40, sported a casual black hoody and matching shorts as he cuddled up to her and pulled a silly grin for the cameras. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Nikki captioned the loved-up post: 'Don't look for someone to grow old with, find someone to stay young with.' Nikki revealed in March that she had quit Hollyoaks after starring as Maxine Minniver for 13 years. Before filming her final scenes in April, the actress told The Mirror that the decision to walk away was an 'incredibly difficult' one. She told the publication: 'Deciding to leave was an incredibly difficult decision for me because Maxine is a huge, huge part of my life – and a part of my life that I've loved. 'It's difficult to think, "It's time", and it wasn't an instant or overnight decision, it took me a long time to make it and it was something I genuinely fought with myself about, but I'm lucky that I could talk to people around me and get people's opinions. 'I'm grateful that I've had the stability for so long, now I've just got to embrace the instability of not knowing what's next.' She confirmed that she is not done with the soap world and would jump to Coronation Street, where she previously played Candice Stowe, if given the chance. Nikki joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2012 and has become a huge fan favourite over the years. Over the years, she has appeared in some hard-hitting storylines, including domestic abuse in her relationship with Patrick Blake, sexual assault after a night out, and her character getting diagnosed with Munchausen's syndrome. But she's decided to step back from her role as Maxine and explore other opportunities, with her final scenes yet to air. A source told The Sun: '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. '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.' Hollyoaks isn't the only TV show that Nikki has appeared on. Between 1999 and 2005, the star took on the role of Candice Stowe in ITV's Coronation Street. In 2006, she appeared in Holby City as Monica Southworth. Between 2008 and 2009 Nikki played Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat and In 2012 she also landed the role of Amy Harris in Casualty. Over the years, she's also been nominated for several television awards. She won Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards in 2014. The actress has also been
