Hollyoaks star 'heartbroken' as she shares 'shock' at being axed from soap after 28 years

Steph Waring has said she's "heartbroken" after learning that her character Cindy Cunningham is set to bow out of Hollyoaks after 28 years. The actress took to Instagram to share an emotional post and to confirm that her character had been cut in a show shake-up.

The 46-year-old, who has played much-loved Cindy since 1996, has also featured in roles on Coronation Street, Doctors, Holby City, Crash Palace, and Merseybeat, and competed on Dancing on Ice in 2018. Breaking her silence on her axe from the soap, Steph told her 225k followers that she "can't imagine a life away from Hollyoaks" and admitted she was gutted.

In an emotional statement posted to her social media, Steph wrote: "I can't believe I am writing this and I have taken the last two weeks to process and come to terms with the shock of what I am about to say.

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"I am heartbroken to announce that my character of Cindy has been included in the actors reduction of Hollyoaks. As an actress obviously I understand there are no jobs for life but with my 28 years on the show I hoped that Cindy would survive the exciting revamp and continue into its new era, especially as I began playing her in 1996, making me the only original cast member remaining to be included in the cast cull, which I can only describe as gutting."

She continued: "I was given the chance to say I had chosen to quit the show to spare me any embarrassment of revealing that I’ve been axed, which was very kind but I don’t want to lie to the fans who have followed Cindy’s journey for nearly 3 decades as I believe they know she nor I would ever have left the show by choice, Hollyoaks is in my blood and I have loved every minute of walking in Cindy’s heels.

"I would like to add that I totally understand all shows evolve, so whilst I cannot hide my devastation I can only express my gratitude for my time on the show and respect the producers decision with no anger just sadness."

Steph added: "I will relish every last scene I have left to play with the gift of a role that is Cindy Cunningham. I don’t know how or why she exits yet but I have been assured I’m not being killed off, which I’m thankful for as in soap land anything can happen so I’d like to think we’ll see her again but who knows.

"On a personal note, whilst I currently can’t imagine a life away from my Hollyoaks family or being Cindy, who will always remain a part of me, I know that on my last day I’ll walk out with my head held high, even if my mascara is still running! Love Steph." You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.