Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks has unveiled an official first look, ahead of Cindy Cunningham's dramatic return to the village. The soap has confirmed that the fan-favourite character will be back this summer, after two years away.

Cindy, played by Stephanie Waring, was one Hollyoaks' original characters, appearing on our screens for 28 years. During that time, she made history as the first character to give birth on the show, and has been at the centre of various flings, scams and murder storylines.

steph waring as cindy cunningham, hollyoaks
Lime Pictures

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In 2024, Cindy was written out of the soap as part of a revamp, which saw a huge cast reduction. Cindy and her half-brother Tom fled to Spain after discovering her husband Dave Williams was the notorious gangster Blue.

However, last week, Waring was spotted on set in Liverpool, script in hand, fueling rumours that Cindy would be making a comeback. Now, Hollyoaks has confirmed that the actor has reprised her iconic role, with the scenes set to air in July.

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The press release revealed that Waring has already begun filming Cindy's return, alongside Ashley Taylor Dawson and Nick Pickard, who play Cindy's former flames Darren Osborne and Tony Hutchinson.

The star also has some scenes with new cast members Rebecca Ryan and Matthew Wolfenden, who play couple Beth and Jonah Keane. Beth is the biological daughter of Cindy's sister Dawn Cunningham - but how will she react to her auntie's arrival?

tom and cindy cunningham in hollyoaks
Lime Pictures
steph waring as cindy cunningham, hollyoaks
Lime Pictures

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Cindy's first episode back will air on Wednesday 15 July on E4 and will stream on Channel 4. This November will mark 30 years since Waring took over the role from Laura Crossley, making her one of the longest-serving cast members.

Talking about her surprise Hollyoaks return, the star said: "I would never pass up the chance to walk in Cindy's heels again. It feels amazing to be back home."

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage


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