Hollyoaks legend Stephanie Waring has revealed she was 'gobsmacked' when asked to return to the Channel 4 soap just two years after being axed. The actress, who has played Cindy Cunningham on and off since 1996, headed back to the show recently as part of a shocking new storyline.
Surprise Offer
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Waring said she was taken out for lunch by head of casting Peter Hunt, thinking it was a catch-up. 'It came out of the blue. We were talking for about half an hour and he said, "Speaking of Hollyoaks, how would you feel if we asked you back?", and I honestly couldn't get my head around it.'
She added: 'My gut said yes straight away, of course, and then he told me the storyline and I just felt a bubble of excitement. This is Cindy 2010, you know what I mean? This is everything the fans have been waiting for.'
No Hesitation
Asked about her desire to return despite being axed, Waring explained: 'I would never question being Cindy again. I didn't want to leave. It wasn't really on me. I love the show and I love Cindy, and the people. So when they did ask me it was absolutely yes, I had two years away but I would never give up the chance to be her again.'
Waring also shared her appreciation for the fan support following her exit. 'It was lovely that the fan reaction wasn't "oh, well she's dead wood", or anything like that. To feel that love for the character... she's stood the test of time. I started in 1996 and to carry the character for so many years, we've peeled the different layers of the onion of Cindy.'
Overwhelming Reaction
On the reaction to her comeback, Waring said she'd never seen anything like it. 'I've not seen a reaction like this before; it's gone insane, and it makes me feel so unbelievably loved and just emotional really, that they have so much love for her and have taken to her, with their hearts and they can't wait to see her back onscreen. That's really lovely.'
Teasing the storyline, she added: 'I can't say too much, there's not just one reason why she is back. There are gonna be some surprises along the way, things she's keeping to herself, she comes with secrets.'
Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM.
