It was confirmed earlier this week that Stephanie Waring would be returning to Hollyoaks to reprise her role as Cindy Cunningham, and the actor has celebrated the occasion by greeting a new co-star.
The beloved character will return to Cheshire later this month as Waring makes a comeback after a two-year hiatus, and the village will soon have a new figure as former Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent debuts as Abigail Matthews.
Waring and Vincent competed in the 10th series of Dancing on Ice back in 2018, and Waring referenced this fact as she posted a photo of the pair on Instagram, with the caption reading: "From Dancing on Ice in 2018… to Hollyoaks in 2026. 💙 Reunited."
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Vincent, who portrayed Sophie Webster on the ITV soap for 15 years before departing in 2019, responded to Waring's post, with the actor commenting: "Ahhhhhhhhhh look at us go ❤️".
"Ahh how lovely is this for both of you ❤️ Hope you are both well :) Such great news this week . Can't wait to see how you bring Cindy back to life 👏 Sending my best wishes to you," commented another follower.
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Cindy was one of the Channel 4 soap's original characters, having first appeared in November 1995, just a few weeks after its first ever episode. Waring took over the role from Laura Crossley the following year, before departing in 2000.
She returned briefly in 2004 before making a full-time comeback in 2008, which lasted for 16 years before her exit. Though specific plot details are being kept under wraps, we do know that Cindy's return airs on Wednesday 15 July.
"I would never pass up the chance to walk in Cindy's heels again. It feels amazing to be back home," said Waring, who has also had small roles in fellow soaps Corrie, Doctors and Holby City.
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Vincent, meanwhile, confirmed that Abigail would be a much different proposition to her character from Weatherfield, teasing: "The best thing is that she’s completely different to what people have seen me play - it’s a big thing for me coming in to a more mature role."
"I’ve always played the young girl; Sophie was the baby of the family. Abigail stands her ground with whatever she says, and I’m having lots of fun playing her," she added. "You see a very sensitive side to her, but she’s still quite stern."
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.
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