'I've quit Hollyoaks after 12 years - it's the right time to leave', says Nikki Sanderson

Nikki Sanderson has officially bid farewell to Hollyoaks after a 12-year stint as Maxine Miniver.

The 41-year-old actress, who joined the soap in November 2012, has been at the heart of some of the show's most captivating plots.

Her final scenes were aired on Wednesday (April 16), where viewers saw Maxine depart the village in a taxi with her daughter Minnie Minniver but there was a twist.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

In the dramatic episode, 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 his girlfriend's body to "dispose" of, it was unveiled that Maxine was still alive. Plans were later made for Maxine to escape the country with Minnie, who was brought to her by Sienna Blake (Anna Passey).

Before leaving the village, Maxine insisted on visiting 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, reports .

Maxine informed Dodger that he couldn't join them once they'd left and must stay to complete the undercover operation he began and find the answers he needs.

There were emotional farewells as Sienna, Dodger, Maxine and Minnie all said their goodbyes. Reflecting on her departure from the show, Nikki stated: "It's the weirdest feeling because it's an end of an era."

Nikki has now spoken about her bittersweet emotions after announcing her departure from the show. She admitted: "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.

"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."

Nikki expressed her gratitude towards the show's production team for their understanding and collaboration in her final storyline.

She said: "When I went in for the meeting to say I thought it was my time to exit the show production were wonderful. We got 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."

Nikki will deeply miss her time on but is eager to explore new opportunities, saying: "I was very lucky I was given a dramatic last week.

"I will really miss Hollyoaks. It took a lot to make the decision and I will it so much but I'm excited to what the future hold for me.

"For myself, as Nikki, as an actor, I've been acting since I was little girl. I don't know any different, it's what I love to do and it's my passion."

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am