SAY GOODBYE Huge Hollyoaks star announces exit from soap after a whopping 28 years on screens
HOLLYOAKS icon Stephanie Waring has confirmed that she has been axed from the soap after a whopping 28 years on screen.
She is the latest in a long-line of stars to leave the Channel 4 soap amid a cast cull after the show was cut to just three episodes per week on sister channel E4.
Stephanie has been one of the soap's longest-serving characters having notched up 28 years playing Cindy Cunningham on the programme.
Taking to Instagram she revealed that show bosses had made the decision to axe her from the soap.
The actress shared a lengthy post in which she admitted she was "heartbroken" over the news.
Steph was delivered the huge blow from show chiefs two weeks ago with the star admitting she was given the option to reveal she quit in a bid to avoid public "embarrassment" of her being axed after such a lengthy stint.Describing her unexpected soap exit as "gutting", Steph also revealed to fans in her emotional post that she was the only show "original" to be given the boot.
Her lengthy post began by saying: "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."Spilling the secrets of how the conversation surrounding her axing went down, Steph added: "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 further revealed that she has been kept in the dark surrounding Cindy's exit but has been "assured" that she won't be killed off.
The actress made the announcement alongside a slew of images from her impressive 28-year run on the soap which was accompanied by the Lady Gaga ballad Always Remember Us This Way.
The 46 year old first took on the role in 1996 and Hollyoaks fans instantly fell in love with the star.
She continued playing the soap siren for four years until 2000 before departing for the first time.
Steph then made two brief returns to the Chester village in 2002 and 2004 before returning to wreak mayhem as Cindy permanently in 2008.
Her departure means that she loses the title of the longest-serving female character in the show with Cindy having gained the honour in 2017 after 21 years on the programme.
Read Steph Waring's statement in full
Stephanie Waring shared a lengthy statement as she addressed being axed from Hollyoaks
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.
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.
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
Hollyoaks has been under pressure over the last few months with a string of high-profile exits amid the show's biggest ever budget cut.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the E4 show is axing a whopping 20 actors and introducing a bizarre 'time-jump' that will see the action move forward by a whole year.
It will see the action permanently move forward by one year, when some families just so happen to have left the village.
A source said: “Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soapland.
“In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode.
“But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut.
“The necessary death toll would make almost any stunt idea totally unbelievable.”
The shocking news came just days after it was also revealed that Hollyoaks will be cut down from five episodes a week to three.
Another big name set to quit for good is popstar turned soap star Jamelia.
She joined the show as Sharon Bailey in 2021 for a short stint, before returning last year.
The 43-year-old is also set to be one of the soap stars taking part in new ITVBe series, Drama Queens.
But the synopsis for the show appears to reveal Jamelia's departure from Hollyoaks.
It reads: "Jamelia embarks on a transformative journey, prioritising her own well-being and family over the glitz of Hollyoaks.
"As she prepares to bid farewell to the show, we witness her emotional transition, packing up her life in the UK to start anew in Dubai, all while cherishing the bond with her four daughters."
The soap's resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale.
Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon.Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years.
Other cast members are expected to announce their departures within the coming weeks.
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