Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson signs new contract

Maxine MiniverHollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson has signed a new contract to stay with the show for another year.

The actress portrays Maxine Minniver in the teen saga and has been part of a high-profile domestic abuse storyline that has seen Maxine living in fear of her abusive partner Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield).

Maxine recently summoned up the courage to expose Patrick’s violent behaviour to the rest of the village, before fleeing to America to see her sister Mitzeee.

However, Sanderson confirmed to the Daily Star Sunday that she will shortly return and is sticking with the soap to further explore the fallout from the storyline and the outcome to her character’s pregnancy.

“We’ve been working on this story for more than a year but there’s still a long way to go yet. I’ve just signed a new contract, which I’m thrilled about. We’ve had the fall out from the wedding but there’s still lots more coming up.” – Sanderson

Maxine is currently expecting Patrick’s baby, which has Downs Syndrome, and Sanderson says she has no idea of how the plot is going to progress long-term:

“I’ve got a little while to go with the pregnancy and I have no idea what’s going to happen. I’m as excited to find out as the viewers are. Maxine and Patrick will always be connected because of the baby. But that’s fine by me as I love working with Jeremy.

 

“The baby is due around October and I have yet to think about giving birth on screen but it’s definitely something to look forward to. After everything that Maxine has been through it would be amazing to see her happy but Patrick is never going to let that happen.”

The Maxine and Patrick abuse story has formed part of the government’s ‘This Is Abuse’ campaign, with a series of adverts airing on TV featuring the characters.

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4 with a first look on E4 week nights at 7pm and weekend omnibuses on E4.  Viewers can also catch up on demand at http://www.channel4.com/programmes/4od