Iconic Cindy Cunningham staging Hollyoaks return as Stephanie Waring makes dramatic comeback

There has been something Cindy Cunningham shaped missing from Hollyoaks over the last couple of years or so.

And, even moreso, a disappointing lack of the iconic character’s unique and fiery personality.

Viewers were shocked and gutted when Cindy – one of the show’s original stars – was written out as part of difficult workforce cuts.

But, do I have good news for you? I can confirm that Stephanie Waring is heading home to where she belongs – in fact, she has already started filming so, chances are, it won’t be long ’til you see her minx-like alter-ego back in her old stomping ground.

I am told that she will be every bit as the Cindy we know and love – and then some!

‘Steph leaving was easily the biggest shock of the cast cuts, after all, she has been there since day one. Fans have long hoped that she would one day be back,’ a source told me.

‘The cast and crew are thrilled to have her back in the fold and fans will be equally excited – Cindy will always be at the centre of Hollyoaks and that won’t change when she comes back. There’s a lot planned!’

Metro can also confirm that this is a full-time comeback, rather than a short term visit.

It’s like Christmas in a heatwave, this.

Hollyoaks spokespersons had no comment to make when approached by Metro.

While away from Hollyoaks, Steph has certainly been busy, not least of all by getting married!

‘Did a thing!’ she told her followers after tying the knot with her partner Tom Thornton-Brookes in a secret wedding.

The actress has been very open about her sadness at leaving when the show had its episodes and budgets shaved in 2024.

Announcing her exit initially, she said: ‘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.’

Later, reflecting on her last day of filming, she said with emotion: ‘Today I had to say goodbye to some crew members I have been working with for the last 16 years.’

‘And known for the last 28 years. And it just hit me like a thunderbolt. I’m really going to miss these people.’

She continued: ‘I’m just gonna go another way.’

‘For me it just important to keep showing up with a smile on my face, but I’m really going to miss everyone and it’s really getting closer now till I have to say goodbye properly.’

Cindy has been at the centre of some of the show’s most explosive and scandalous storylines.

She was no stranger to a topical arc, falling pregnant at the age of 15. She was also one of the first soap characters to fully represent awareness of bipolar disorder – something in hindsight, I have re-watched based on my own diagnosis.

Something I can relate to slightly less is just how many times Cindy has been married!

Who knows which of the new cast she might eye up…

Cindy will be back later this summer.