Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring has announced that she has been axed from the soap after 28 years.
Stephanie, who plays Cindy Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap, shared an emotional Instagram post featuring footage of her in character over her almost three decades on the show, and wrote that she is "heartbroken" over the decision.
She wrote: "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," she said.
"As an actress obviously I understand there are no jobs for life but with my 28 years on the show I hoped that Cindy would survive the exciting revamp and continue into its new era, especially as I began playing her in 1996, making me the only original cast member remaining to be included in the cast cull, which I can only describe as gutting."
She went on to say that she was offered the opportunity to say she has chosen to quit the show "to spare me any embarrassment", a gesture she says was "very kind, but I don’t want to lie to the fans who have followed Cindy’s journey for nearly 3 decades as I believe they know she nor I would ever have left the show by choice, Hollyoaks is in my blood and I have loved every minute of walking in Cindy’s heels."
She continued her post by saying that she understands that "all shows evolve, so whilst I cannot hide my devastation I can only express my gratitude for my time on the show and respect the producers decision with no anger just sadness."
She finished the post with: "I know that on my last day I'll walk out with my head held high, even if my mascara is still running!"
