Stephanie Waring has been photographed back on set at Lime Pictures studios in Liverpool, all but confirming Cindy Cunningham's dramatic return to Hollyoaks village. The Channel 4 soap icon was spotted clutching her script as she begins shooting her comeback, two years after departing the show.
Dressed in a loose blue shirt, baggy denim jeans, and a dark denim jacket, actress Steph looks as though she's never been away as she settles back into the groove. Flaunting her signature blonde tresses, Steph is well and truly back in Cindy mode, and it seems fans won't have too long to wait before the beloved character graces screens once more.
Cindy's Exit and Heartbreaking Loss
Cindy was last seen in September 2024, when she chose to say goodbye to the village for good, seeking a fresh start elsewhere following the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Ella Richardson. Fans were left stunned when it was revealed that Cindy was being written out of the soap and that Steph would depart after an incredible 28 years.
Steph has since been remarkably candid about her heartache at leaving when the show had its episodes and budgets cut two years ago. Upon announcing her departure, she said: "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."
Emotional Farewell and Future Storylines
Reflecting on her final day of filming, Steph wrote: "Today I had to say goodbye to some crew members I have been working with for the last 16 years. And known for the last 28 years. And it just hit me like a thunderbolt. I'm really going to miss these people. I'm just gonna go another way. For me it just important to keep showing up with a smile on my face, but I'm really going to miss everyone and it's really getting closer now till I have to say goodbye properly."
Cindy has been at the heart of some of Hollyoaks' most dramatic storylines, from falling pregnant at age 15 to becoming one of the first soap characters to authentically portray bipolar disorder awareness. Viewers will have to wait to discover what Cindy has been up to since we last caught up with her, but trouble is never far from her door.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm, and first-look episodes can be streamed on Channel 4 from 7am.
