In a significant development for the long-running Channel 4 soap, a beloved Hollyoaks legend has announced her permanent departure from the show. Chelsee Healey, who has portrayed the vibrant character Goldie McQueen since 2016, has decided that "it's time to move on," bringing her eight-year association with the programme to a definitive close.
A New Chapter Begins
A source close to the production revealed to The Sun that Chelsee has made the firm decision to leave Hollyoaks for good. The insider explained, "Chelsee has decided it's time to move on from Hollyoaks for good. She hasn't had a full-time contract on the show for some time now. She's been doing other stuff on the side for a while – like Waterloo Road – but she's taking the leap fully now. It's a new start for this year."
From McQueen to Bryant
The 37-year-old actress first joined the Hollyoaks cast nearly a decade ago, quickly establishing Goldie McQueen as a fan favourite. Her character's arrival on the show saw the introduction of her twin sons Prince, played by Malique Thompson-Dwyer, and Hunter, portrayed by Theo Graham. This marked Healey's return to regular television drama following her earlier success as Janeece Bryant in the BBC school series Waterloo Road, a role she maintained from 2006 to 2012.
Interestingly, Healey's connection to Waterloo Road remains strong. She made a brief return to the revived series in 2023 and is reportedly set to reprise the role again soon, indicating that her departure from Hollyoaks coincides with renewed focus on other acting opportunities.
Personal Life Developments
The professional transition comes during a period of significant personal change for the actress. Last month, Chelsee was photographed with her boyfriend Eddie Rainford for the first time since his early release from prison. The couple, who share a daughter named Cookie, were seen leaving Cibo Italian restaurant in Manchester, displaying affectionate behaviour in public.
Rainford had been sentenced to two years in prison in June 2025 for his involvement in what Manchester Crown Court described as a "wholesale" drug-dealing operation. The court heard how the former Royal Marine commando, along with another man Jay Boyd, 28, had allegedly "headed" an Organised Crime Gang that dealt "multi-kilos" of cannabis.
Prosecutor Gwen Henshaw characterised the operation as "boutique," involving the sale of various cannabis varieties including "Cali weed," "Oreo Cookies" and "Orange Cake." Police surveillance reportedly captured Rainford and Boyd discussing taking percentages of profits at a Costa coffee shop, with conversations about risk assessment regarding quantities.
Standing By Her Partner
A source previously disclosed to The Sun about Healey's commitment to the relationship during this challenging period: "Chelsee has stayed with Eddie since his sentencing. She vowed to stay by him for the sake of their daughter and she is really looking forward to their future together. It won't be long until they are a happy family again. Chelsee feels like she will finally be able to move on with her life when he's out."
This contrasts with Healey's earlier descriptions of her ideal partner as "The One" and "marriage material," someone who brought her "peace and is drama-free." She had initially attempted to keep Rainford's identity private after they began dating, revealing only his first name to fans.
Television Ventures Beyond Soap
Healey's career has extended beyond continuing drama into reality television. Last year, she participated in ITV's popular skating competition Dancing On Ice, though her journey was cut short when she became the first celebrity eliminated from the series. She performed alongside professional partner Andy Buchanan before exiting the competition.
The series featured an array of notable contestants including Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, The Traitors star Mollie Pearce, TOWIE's Dan Edgar, and eventual winner Coronation Street actor Sam Aston.
Maternity Breaks and Career Evolution
Throughout her Hollyoaks tenure, Healey took two maternity leaves – in 2017 and again in 2024 – temporarily stepping away from the series. However, this latest departure represents a permanent exit rather than another temporary absence, signalling a genuine career transition for the actress.
The Daily Mail contacted a representative for Chelsee Healey for comment regarding her departure from Hollyoaks and future plans, though no official statement has been released at this time.
As Healey closes this significant chapter of her professional life, fans will undoubtedly follow her next moves with interest, particularly her anticipated return to Waterloo Road and any future television projects that may emerge following her departure from the Chester-based soap that has been her professional home for nearly a decade.
