Gillian Taylforth quits Hollyoaks

Gillian Taylforth is leaving Hollyoaks after a year in the role of Sandy Roscoe.

The actress has chosen to leave the Chester-based teen saga, which is filmed in Liverpool, in order to spend more time with her real family.

“I have loved the role of Sandy Roscoe playing mum to six gorgeous boys, all of whom I will miss desperately, but the time is right for me to spend more time with my own family.” – Gillian Taylforth

Sandy’s storylines have included a fling with Dodger Savage (Danny Mac), the reveal that she is Darren Osborne’s (Ashley Taylor Dawson) real mum, and her relationship with gangster Frazer Black (Jesse Birdsall).

Prior to joining Hollyoaks, Taylforth was already an established face among soap fans after starring as EastEnders legend Kathy Beale between 1985 and 2000.

The 58-year-old has also had regular roles in ITV dramas Footballers’ Wives and The Bill and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. Early television roles included a part in 1970′s The Rag Trade.

“It has been enormous fun and hugely rewarding to be part of settling in a new Hollyoaks family and it fills me with pride that have so quickly been taken to viewers’ hearts. I am really happy that I will still be able to pop back to check on the Roscoe boys but it’s now time for them to fend for themselves!” – Gillian Taylforth

Digital Spy reports that Sandy’s final scenes will air over the Summer with the door being left open for a possible return.