Nikki Sanderson has revealed her next career move after quitting after almost 13 years.

The 41-year-old actress' final scenes as fan favourite Maxine Minniver aired earlier this week and she's now looking ahead of the future.

Speaking about leaving the show, she told the : "For myself as Nikki, as an actor, I've been acting since I was little girl. I don't know any different, it's what I love to do and it's my passion.

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"I got into acting because I really enjoy playing different characters and different types of acting.

"For me, being able to act and perform brings me so much happiness and I just felt like after so many years it was maybe time to try a different role or different type of production wherever that might take me.

"I will really miss Hollyoaks and it took a lot to make the decision but I'm excited to what the future holds for me."

Before joining Hollyoaks in 2012, Nikki appeared as Candice Stowe in from 1999 until 2005 and played Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat from 2008 until 2009 and she now trying her hand at writing.

She said: "As long as I'm acting and performing I am happy. For me now is actively moving forward and pushing forward to being able to be creative again.

"My agent is going to be putting me out for castings so hopefully you will see me in something very, very soon.

"I've also started writing as well because I think you've got to keep yourself busy when you're not working or performing

"I'm putting it out to the universe that it's going to be an incredibly busy, successful year for me and I'm just going to keep thinking positive and looking forward to I do next."

Hollyoaks fans watched Maxine leave the village with her daughter Minnie Minniver in emotional scenes after faking her death as part of plan with Dodger Savage (Danny Mac).

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am