‘I knew today would be hard’, started Hollyoaks royalty Stephanie Waring in an

emotional social media post as she prepares for her final day in the iconic stilettos of Cindy Cunningham.

The actress confirmed earlier this year that her character,

who has been a constant presence throughout the Channel 4 soap’s near three-decade run, was axed.

Hollyoaks, as fans know, is undergoing a series of changes, with episodes

set to be reduced from five a week to three come September time.

To facilitate the change casting cuts were made, with Steph confirming to

her followers in March that Cindy was one of those to be cut, which came as a huge shock to fans.

With an exit story thought to be in the pipeline for Cindy, Steph has been busy wrapping up her iconic alter-ego’s arc – and she confirmed today (Wednesday, July 3) that it’s her final day on set.

‘I have been putting my feelings about saying goodbye to the life I have known for 16 years in a box,’ she said in a candid message on Instagram. ‘I thought “I will be fine I have been preparing for 3 months” I can’t wait to start my new life.’

Stephanie revealed that she woke up to a message from her fiancé Tom Brookes, who heaped praise on the soap star, reminding her of how she has shown ‘unwavering commitment, resilience and passion’ in her time on Hollyoaks.

‘As you close this chapter, you can look forward to the exciting new adventures that lie ahead’, he continued. ‘Here’s to new beginnings and to the endless possibilities the future holds for you’.

Stephanie told her followers that Tom’s message reminded her how stong she is and how it made her recall everything that she has accomplished while in Cindy’s shoes.

‘It reminded me that I created a Hollyoaks Icon and she is worthy of my tears,’ she wrote. ‘It reminded me that I am loved and that I am so unbelievably lucky to have a man who sees me for me in my life. Who sees the beauty and the brilliance, the flaws and loves them anyway.

‘Today I say Goodbye and I will feel it and cherish all of my memories. Cindy let’s do one last take!’.

No, you’re crying.

Cindy’s exit isn’t the only one on the cards, with a number of major stars set to leave amid the huge changes in September.

Metro confirmed last month that Matthew James Bailey, who plays fan-favourite Ethan Williams, is set to exit too, which devastated fans.

The legendary Warren Fox will also be written out, with Jamie Lomas confirming his departure. Beau Ramsey (Jon-Paul Bell) is also reportedly set to leave while Scott Drinkwell star Ross Adams has already wrapped filming after 9 years.

Hollyoaks will take a historic time jump in September to facilitate the change, with events being set one year in the future.

Hollyoaks streams weeknights at 7:30pm on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4. 

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