Hollyoaks backstage chaos as furious cast slam decision to axe soap legend after 28 years
HOLLYOAKS has been plunged into chaos backstage as the cast are left furious over the axing of a show legend.
Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull on the Channel 4 soap opera.
The show is undergoing a huge overhaul after seeing its episode count slashed from five to three, being demoted to sister channel E4 and seeing a huge reduction in its budget amid falling ratings and financial concerns.
Now The Sun can reveal that the cast of the programme have been left furious at the way Stephanie has been treated.
The news has not gone down well on the set of the Chester-based soap causing a headache behind the scenes.
A source told us: “A lot of the cast are furious because Steph is so upset about it.
“It’s no way for her to be treated after 28 years on the soap. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone.
“There are a lot of worried people right now.”
Stephanie is the show’s longest-serving female character and admitted that she never thought she would fall victim to the cast cull when it was first revealed by The Sun.
In a lengthy statement, the star revealed she was “heartbroken” and “gutted” to have been given the boot.
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.
Writing earlier this week, the actress said: “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.”
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 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.
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.
Another big name set to quit for good is popstar turned soap star Jamelia.
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
The star’s exit looks set to be chronicled on ITV‘s brand new reality TV show, Drama Queens.
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.
Hollyoaks’ production company Lime Pictures had no comment when contacted by The Sun.