HOLLYOAKS icon Stephanie Waring has officially left the soap after being axed from her decades-long role.
The actress confirmed she had been given her marching orders amid the major cast cull in a shock statement earlier this year.
It meant that Steph was the only original star to be written out as the beleaguered Channel 4 soap continues to deal with budget problems.
The actress has now had her final days on the soap after finishing her last day filming.
Steph, 46, had been playing the role of Cindy Cunningham for 28 years and became one of the show’s most beloved stars.
The star penned a lengthy message to her fans where she opened up on the “hard” final day at work.
Stephanie said: “I knew today would be hard. However I have been putting my feelings about saying goodbye to the life I have known for 16 years in a box.
“I thought ‘I will be fine I have been preparing for 3 months I can’t wait to start my new life’ .. I woke up to this message from my fiancé.
“It reminded me to feel.. it reminded me of how strong I am, it reminded me of what I have accomplished, it reminded me that I created a Hollyoaks Icon and she is worthy of my tears..
“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.”
Stephanie went on to share with her followers the exact message that her fiance, Tom Brookes, had sent her.
In the text, Tom looked back over Steph’s “dedication, hard work and countless memories” from her time on the soap.
Tom also spoke about how “bittersweet” the moment was for Steph as he championed her to embrace her “new chapter”.
Steph’s exit is expected to air in the next few weeks on the programme but details have yet to be announced.
Her fans were left gutted to learn she had completed her final day on set as they left tear-jerking messages underneath her emotional post.
One fan said: “Yourself and Cindy will be missed! I’ve watched Hollyoaks since day one and I can’t imagine no Cindy. Good luck in whatever comes next.”
As another added: “Oh Steph I do feel for you. Hope the day goes well and look forward to seeing you fly high in your new adventures.”
Before a third added: “Nooo! I can’t believe you’re leaving!”
Steph confirmed her bombshell exit in an explosive statement earlier this year where she confirmed it was not her decision to leave the show.
Taking to Instagram she revealed that show bosses had made the decision to axe her from the soap.
The actress shared a lengthy post in which she admitted she was “heartbroken” over the news.
Steph was delivered the huge blow from show chiefs with the star admitting she was given the option to reveal she quit in a bid to avoid public “embarrassment” of her being axed after such a lengthy stint.
Stephanie Waring shared a lengthy statement as she addressed being axed from Hollyoaks
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
The Sun exclusively revealed how the E4 show is axing a whopping 20 actors and introducing a bizarre ‘time-jump’ that will see the action move forward by a whole year.
It will see the action permanently move forward by one year, when some families just so happen to have left the village.
The soap’s resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale.
Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon.
Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years.
