Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson has celebrated a significant birthday with a positive message on social media.
The actress, who portrays Maxine Minniver on the Channel 4 soap, went on Instagram to say goodbye to her thirties as she gets ready to turn 40.
Sharing a selfie from her house, Nikki wrote: ‘Two sleeps till the big 4 0 so I’m keeping my nutrition on point and starting my forties strong.’
An actual queen.
Fans quickly reacted to Nikki’s message, with many expressing their surprise about her age.
‘I am so surprised you are nearly 40!,’ exclaimed one Instagram user. ‘I would never have said you were that, I even had to check it on google!
‘I’d say 30 but never 40.’
Another wrote: ‘No I’m sorry you’re nearly 40!! You look fabulous ,’ while one more exclaimed: ‘No way are you turning 40……you’re way too young!!’
Happy birthday Nikki, we hope you have the best day!
Nikki became famous playing Candice Stowe in Coronation Street between 1999 and 2005. After leaving the show, she took on the role of Dawn in Heartbeat.
Since 2012, she has portrayed the much-loved Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks and, during that time she has been involved in numerous important storylines, including a domestic abuse plot and, more recently, Maxine being diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome.
The character experienced more heartbreak last week after her relationship with Carter Shepherd (David Ames) came to an end.
Maxine got the surprise of her life when she overheard John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) discussing his desire to make love to Carter.
The paralegal-in-training had been in a relationship with Carter for months, unaware that her beau – who is headmaster of Hollyoaks high – was struggling with his sexuality.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 7:30pm on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or watch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
