A HOLLYOAKS star has broken her silence upon quitting the soap after 12 years.
Flying Eze revealed in February that Nikki Sanderson was.
Fans had theorised her character Maxine Minniver
In her final scenes aired on April 16, Maxine departed the village in a taxi with daughter Minnie – although there was a twist.
It was revealed Dodger (Danny Mac) faked Maxine's death in a bid to prove his loyalty to Grace Black (Tamara Wall).
But after taking her body away to “dispose”, it was shown Maxine was still alive.
She ultimately then made plans to escape the country alongside Minnie.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, Nikki shared: “It's the weirdest feeling because it's an end of an era.
“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.”
The actress added: “I've been very, very blessed that I've been able to do some wonderful things at but after so many years of incredible storylines it gets to a point where what else can we do with the character.”
Having debuted in 2012, Maxine including domestic violence and miscarrying a baby.
Taking to , Nikki also penned a poignant message to the show's audience.
She wrote: “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.”
Nikki went on to thank her family, the show, and Lime Pictures – as well as the creative team for the “blessing” of Maxine.
She concluded: “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.”
Insiders previously revealed that Nikki, who has been datingactorfor, had decided to move on to give herself more freedom to try other roles.
A source told Flying Eze: “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.”;
Fans have speculated her role as Candice Stowe.
She portrayed Sarah Platt's best friend in 400 episodes from 1999 to 2005.
