EXCLUSIVE Cindy Cunningham actress Stephanie Waring has revealed all about her big return to Hollyoaks, two years after she was heartbreakingly axed from the Channel 4 soap18:01, 20 Jul 2026Hollyoaks legend Stephanie Waring was not expecting to return to the Channel 4 soap so soon after being axed.‌The fan favourite, who has played Cindy Cunningham on and off since 1996, headed back to the show very recently. Just two years ago, bossed axed her from the role, leaving her heartbroken.‌Viewers were furious with the move, and now it has been U-turned. As part of a shocking new storyline, Cindy is now back in the village. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Cindy star Steph revealed why she had no hesitation about coming back to the soap, despite being dropped.‌She said of her surprise over the news: "I was gobsmacked. I was taken out for lunch by Peter Hunt, our head of casting. I thought it was for a catchup cos we kept in touch since leaving."It came out of the blue. We were talking for about half an hour and he said, 'Speaking of Hollyoaks, how would you feel if we asked you back?', and I honestly couldn't get my head around it.‌"My gut said yes straight way, of course, and then he told me the storyline and I just felt a bubble of excitement. This is Cindy 2010, you know what I mean? This is everything the fans have been waiting for."Asked about her desire to return despite being axed, Cindy star Steph explained: "I would never question being Cindy again. I didn't want to leave."I wasn't really on me. I love the show and I love Cindy, and the people. So when they did ask me it was absolutely yes, I had two years away but I would never give up the chance to be her again."‌Steph shared her appreciation after the support from viewers about her exit. She said: "It was lovely that the fan reaction wasn't oh, well she's dead wood, or anything like that."To feel that love for the character... she's stood the test of time. I started in 1996 and to carry the character for so many years, we've peeled the different layers of the onion of Cindy." On the reaction to her comeback, Steph said she'd never seen anything like it.Article continues belowShe told us: "I've not seen a reaction like this before it's gone insane, and it makes me feel so unbelievably loved and just emotional really, that they have so much love for her and have taken to her, with their hearts and they can't wait to see her back onscreen. That's really lovely."I can't say too much, there's not just one reason why she is back. There are gonna be some surprises along the way, things she's keeping to herself, she comes with secrets."Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.