Star of Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, Nikki Sanderson, has opened up about leaving the soap after 12 years.

Sanderson played Maxine Miniver, first joining the soap in November 2012 and has since been part of many major plotlines.

Viewers watched Sanderson's final scenes on Hollyoaks on Wednesday, April 16, when Maxine left the village in a taxi with her daughter, Minnie.

However, Hollyoaks viewers were surprised to be met with a twist for Maxine's final episode.

Goodbye Maxine and Minnie 😢 💕 #Hollyoaks pic.twitter.com/Mni4OouM4i

Maxine's final........

© South Wales Argus