Nikki Sanderson Leaves Hollyoaks After 12-Year Role as Maxine Miniver

Nikki Sanderson has exited Hollyoaks after 12 years of playing Maxine Minniver, with her final scenes airing April 16. The dramatic storyline saw Maxine apparently shot and killed by Dodger Savage to prove his loyalty to Grace Black, but it was later revealed that Maxine was alive, having worn a bulletproof vest as part of an escape plan. Maxine left the village with her daughter Minnie, while Dodger stayed behind to complete his undercover operation. Before leaving, Maxine visited Mercedes McQueen in prison and promised to confess to a murder in order to secure Mercedes' release, asking her to seek revenge on Grace. Sanderson described her departure as the end of an era, expressing gratitude for her time on the show and excitement for the future. The twist ending and her emotional farewell have sparked significant viewer discussion.