Hollyoaks star Steph Waring in good spirits as she's seen for first time since confirming gutting soap axe

Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring appeared in good spirits as she was seen for the first time since confirming she was being axed from the show. The Channel 4 soap is undergoing a 'cast cull' amid major changes.

It was announced in February that Hollyoaks is set to have fewer episodes each week. The soap, airing on streaming, E4 and YouTube, will move from five weekly instalments to three from September after being cut from airing on Channel 4 at 6.30pm each weeknight.

The channel explained the decision by saying this is the "optimum pattern to keep heartland audiences hooked and attract new ones in a highly saturated content market" based on Channel 4 data. It came after the broadcaster previously announced it would take a streaming-first approach with the soap and will put episodes of Hollyoaks on YouTube a week after they are broadcast on E4 and streamed on its own platform.

READ MORE: Gemma Atkinson fights tears as she watches Gorka Marquez while on holiday after his 'hate' admission

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

It has also been claimed that the cast will also be cut and Stephanie said on Monday (April 8) that she is 'heartbroken' after being axed from the soap after 28 years. The soap star, from Urmston, is known for portraying Cindy Cunningham in Hollyoaks, first taking over the role from Laura Crossley in 1996. She initially played the role until 2000, before then returning in 2008 to the serial on a regular basis

In addition to her work on Hollyoaks, she has also featured in roles on Coronation Street, Doctors, Holby City, Crash Palace and Merseybeat, and competed in the tenth series of Dancing on Ice.

"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," she penned in a post on Instagram. "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 revealed: "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 soapland 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."

She has now been seen appearing to be putting on a brave face after admitting her hearbreak over her exit from the show. Steph was seen on a break from filming scenes as she stepped out for a breath of fresh air with co-star Tamara Wall, who recently surrpised fans by returning to Hollyoaks as Grace Black.

The pair enjoyed a smoke break as they filmed scenes at Liverpool town hall. Tamara was originally axed from the soap back in July 2023 and told fans how she cried for three days when she was given the news.