Hollyoaks is bringing back one of its biggest legends, Cindy Cunningham, played by Stephanie Waring, after the character was axed during major budget cuts. The soap, which reduced its output from five half-hour episodes per week to three 20-minute instalments, made 130 staff redundant, including 20 cast members. Cindy's exit was among the most controversial, as she discovered her fiancé was a historic hitman.
Return confirmed after fan backlash
Stephanie Waring is returning as a full-time character, Metro previously revealed. A source said: 'Steph leaving was easily the biggest shock of the cast cuts, after all, she has been there since day one. Fans have long hoped that she would one day be back. The cast and crew are thrilled to have her back in the fold and fans will be equally excited – Cindy will always be at the centre of Hollyoaks and that won’t change when she comes back. There’s a lot planned!'
Waring's emotional reaction to axing
Stephanie Waring was open about the pain of her axing, posting on Instagram: '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 added that she was offered the chance to say she quit, but refused to lie: '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.'
James Nightingale also returned
James Nightingale, played by Gregory Finnegan, also returned from the dead after being seemingly killed in a car bombing. He initially returned as a guest before becoming full-time again. Both characters' returns have been welcomed by fans.
Impact of budget cuts on Hollyoaks
The downsizing of Hollyoaks was a brutal time for the show, with 130 staff made redundant. The cast cuts included several long-serving actors, but fan outcry led to the reversal of some exits. Cindy's return is expected to be a major storyline in upcoming episodes.
