Stephanie Waring has revealed that she has been axed from her role as Cindy Cunningham on Hollyoaks after 28 years.
The Channel 4 soap is undergoing a major change in September, reducing from five episodes a week to three with around 20 cast members losing their jobs in a dramatic one-year time jump storyline.
Now Waring - Cindy in the village since 1996 - has told fans that bosses have informed her that she will be among those to go.
The 46-year-old wrote 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.
"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.
"I was given the chance to say I had chosen to quit the show to spare me any embarrassment of revealing that I've been axed, which 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. I would like to add that I totally understand 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.
"I will relish every last scene I have left to play with the gift of a role that is Cindy Cunningham. I don't know how or why she exits yet but I have been assured I'm not being killed off, which I'm thankful for as in soap land anything can happen so I'd like to think we'll see her again but who knows.
"On a personal note, whilst I currently can't imagine a life away from my Hollyoaks family or being Cindy, who will always remain a part of me, I know that on my last day I'll walk out with my head held high, even if my mascara is still running! Love Steph."
Also confirmed to be leaving the soap are Jamie Lomas (Warren), Jamelia (Sharon) and Ross Adams (Scott), with more names to be revealed in the coming months.
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