Yahoo News Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring announces exit from soap after 28 years
Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring has announced that she has been axed from the soap after 28 years.
Stephanie, who plays Cindy Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap, shared an emotional Instagram post with fans and said she is "heartbroken" over the decision.
She 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.
"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 then went on to give more details about what went on behind the scenes, saying: "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."
Stephanie added: "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."
She finished the post with: "I know that on my last day I’ll walk out with my head held high, even if my mascara is still running!"
Stephanie's former and current co-stars took over the comments section, with Ross Adams, who himself recently announced his departure from Hollyoaks, writing: "Their loss is going to be someone’s massive gain. Go fly high beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do next because I know you’re going to do amazing things. You are, and always will be, an icon. Love you."
Davinia Taylor wrote: "End of an era however the universe says it’s time. New challenges afoot. You’re an incredible actor. Go flex those talents," while Hollyoaks new girl Rita Simons added: "You got this girl."
Stephanie took over the role of Cindy in 1996. Her character has been involved in several notable storylines including teenage pregnancy, several marriages, a bipolar disorder diagnosis and the revelation that she had a secret teenage son. More recently, she is set to walk down the aisle again, this time with Dave Chen-Williams.
It is not yet known how Cindy will be written out of the soap.
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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