NIKKI HAS MAX HELP AFTER HER TV TEARS Show bosses’ support for stars

HOLLYOAKS stars are being offered counselling to help them cope with gruelling storylines.

Support is available around the clock because bosses are determined to make their wellbeing a priority.

Show favourite Nikki Sanderson, who plays Maxine Minniver, often tackles tough topics.

In recent years those have included mental illness and domestic abuse.

Lifting the lid on what goes on after filming ends, she said: “There are always people we can speak to. The door is always open.

“And we get quite a lot of emails saying the support is there if we need it.

“We’re lucky to have that. Sometimes, people do need that little bit of extra help and someone to be able to talk to.

“During some storylines I’ll have 14-hour days where I’ll be crying constantly. And I like to cry real tears, so I have to get into that emotional state.

“It can be emotionally draining. But I still love the job even when there are emotional days.” Hollyoaks producers are planning more dark storylines for her character.

But Nikki, who joined almost eight years ago, is ready for the challenge.

She said: “I’m very happy at Hollyoaks. There’s always stuff coming up for Maxine, although it’s not always good. As we all know, a lot of bad things happen to her.

“At the moment we’re seeing her have a downfall yet again. But hopefully in the future things might look up. I completely trust the producers.

“I feel lucky because while there are a lot of emotional storylines, I’ve also had bits of comedy. I have fun doing all of it.”

Hollyoaks is only being shown twice a week during the pandemic.

Filming had to be halted in line with the Government’s lockdown advice, so to keep it on our screens bosses have slowed the output of episodes.

It’s currently on Channel 4 at 6.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.