Nikki Sanderson has decided to leave her role as Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks after more than 12 years.

The actress, whose breakout role was on Coronation Street in the early noughties, joined the show in November 2012 and has been a key cast member ever since.

Last year Sanderson survived the huge cast cull that saw more than 25 stars axed from the soap, but The Sun says that she has now chosen not to renew her contract when it expires this month.

A source told the newspaper: "She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she'd just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.

"She's keen to explore other opportunities and is excited to get back out there.

"Bosses have been plotting Maxine's exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.

"She will film her final scenes [this] month, which will go out on screen in May."

The nature of Maxine's departure is currently unknown - although it could tie in with the storyline involving her one-time brother-in-law Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield), who has been revealed as the village's latest serial killer.