Nikki Sanderson has hinted she could be heading back to Coronation Street – 20 years after her exit.

The actress played cobbles hairdresser Candice Stowe on the ITV soap from 1999 to 2005. Following her exit, she went on to star as Maxine Minniver in rival soap Hollyoaks from 2012 to 2025.

Now, following the news of her Hollyoaks exit, Nikki has teased a Corrie return could be on the cards…

Nikki Sanderson as Maxine in Hollyoaks
Nikki recently quit her role on Hollyoaks 

Nikki Sanderson teases Coronation Street return

In a recent interview, Nikki described leaving Hollyoaks as “an incredibly difficult decision”.

“It wasn’t an instant or overnight decision, it took me a long time to make it and it was something I genuinely fought with myself about, but I’m lucky that I could talk to people around me and get people’s opinions,” she told OK!.

And when quizzed about a return to Corrie, Nikki had a rather cryptic response.

Nikki shot to fame on Corrie 

‘You just never know’

“I love Candice and I love Coronation Street, so I’d never close myself to anything if they did want me back in the future, that’s the exciting thing about doing what I do,” she said.

The actress added: “You just never know what might happen next.”

Candice on Coronation Street

Nikki was involved in several big moments playing Candice on Coronation Street.

She was the best friend of Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) – and also the godmother to her daughter Bethany (Lucy Fallon).

Candice had several failed relationships too during her stint in Weatherfield, including romances with Nick Tilsey (Ben Price) and brothers Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) and Todd (Bruno Langley).

Nikki on quitting Hollyoaks after 13 years

Following her decision to leave Hollyoaks, Nikki told the publication that she has “to embrace the instability of not knowing what’s next”.

The TV star also shared that her turning 40 last year played a part in her decision.

“I know I’m older, and time is going fast, but I want to embrace it and be excited about my forties,” she said.

“I’m more confident and comfortable in myself than I used to be, and I want to make the most of whatever exciting things might come my way,” Nikki added.

**GOOD NEWS !! Nikki Sanderson hints at future Coronation Street return as Candice Stowe 20 years after exit**

The world of soap operas is often filled with dramatic exits, shocking twists, and the occasional heartwarming return, and Coronation Street fans have just been given a tantalizing hint that could see one of their favorite characters make a comeback. Nikki Sanderson, who played the iconic Candice Stowe on the ITV soap, has recently dropped a major hint about a potential return to Weatherfield, two decades after her character’s departure. This exciting news has sent fans into a frenzy, sparking speculation about what Candice’s return could mean for the show and how her storyline might unfold. Let’s dive into the details, revisit Candice’s time on the cobbles, and explore what a return could look like for this beloved character.

Candice Stowe, portrayed by Nikki Sanderson, was a fixture on Coronation Street from 1999 to 2005, becoming one of the show’s most memorable characters during her six-year stint. Introduced as a schoolgirl and best friend of Sarah Platt, Candice quickly established herself as a feisty, fun-loving, and ambitious teenager with dreams of fame and fortune. Known for her sharp wit, glamorous style, and knack for getting into trouble, Candice was a fan favorite, bringing a mix of humor and drama to the show. Her storylines often revolved around her friendships, romantic entanglements, and her aspirations to escape the confines of Weatherfield for a more glamorous life.

During her time on the show, Candice was involved in several memorable storylines that cemented her place in Coronation Street history. One of her most notable arcs was her close friendship with Sarah Platt, played by Tina O’Brien. The two girls were inseparable, often getting into mischief together and supporting each other through the ups and downs of teenage life. Candice’s romantic life was equally eventful, with relationships and flings that kept viewers hooked. Perhaps her most iconic storyline was her brief stint as a hairdresser at Audrey Roberts’ salon, where her dreams of becoming a stylist to the stars often clashed with the realities of life on the cobbles.

Candice’s exit from Coronation Street in 2005 was a memorable one, fitting her larger-than-life personality. After years of dreaming of fame, Candice finally got her big break when she left Weatherfield to become a stylist for the boyband Status Quo on their tour. It was a classic soap opera exit, full of optimism and ambition, and it left the door wide open for a potential return. At the time, fans were sad to see Nikki Sanderson leave the show, but her departure felt like a natural progression for Candice, who had always been destined for bigger things—or so she believed. Since then, viewers have often wondered if and when Candice might return to the street that made her a household name.

Fast forward 20 years, and Nikki Sanderson has now hinted that a return to Coronation Street could be on the cards. In a recent interview, the actress, who has since gone on to star in other major soaps like Hollyoaks, where she plays Maxine Minniver, spoke fondly of her time on Coronation Street and expressed openness to reprising her role as Candice. “I loved playing Candice, and Coronation Street will always hold a special place in my heart,” Nikki said. “You never know what the future holds, and I’d never say never to going back. If the timing and storyline were right, it could be amazing to see what Candice has been up to all these years.”

This tantalizing hint has sparked a wave of excitement among fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm for a potential Candice comeback. For long-time viewers, the idea of seeing Candice Stowe strut back onto the cobbles, perhaps with a few more life lessons under her belt, is a thrilling prospect. But what might a return storyline look like for Candice, and how would she fit into the current landscape of Coronation Street? Given the show’s knack for weaving past and present together, there are endless possibilities for how Candice’s return could shake things up in Weatherfield.

One potential storyline could see Candice return as a successful celebrity stylist, having achieved her dreams of fame and fortune. Perhaps she comes back to Weatherfield to open a glamorous new salon, putting her in direct competition with Audrey Roberts and Maria Connor. This could lead to plenty of drama, as Candice’s big-city attitude clashes with the more down-to-earth residents of the street. Alternatively, the writers could take a more grounded approach, showing Candice returning after her dreams of stardom didn’t quite pan out as planned. This could provide an opportunity to explore a more mature and reflective side of the character, as she reconnects with old friends and confronts the realities of her past ambitions.

Another exciting possibility is the rekindling of Candice’s friendship with Sarah Platt. Sarah, who has remained a central character on the show, has been through her fair share of drama over the years, including family tragedies, relationship woes, and business struggles. A reunion between Sarah and Candice could provide a nostalgic treat for fans, while also offering a fresh dynamic as the two women navigate their adult lives. Candice’s return could also bring new romantic storylines, as she inevitably catches the eye of one (or more) of Weatherfield’s eligible bachelors. Given her history of fiery relationships, it’s easy to imagine Candice stirring up trouble in the romance department once again.

Of course, any return storyline would need to address the passage of time and how Candice has changed—or not changed—over the past two decades. One of the joys of soap opera returns is seeing how characters have evolved, and Candice’s larger-than-life personality would provide plenty of scope for both humor and drama. Perhaps she returns with a teenage child in tow, adding a new generation to the Weatherfield mix, or maybe she’s grappling with personal challenges that force her to confront her past. Whatever the writers choose, Nikki Sanderson’s return would undoubtedly bring a dose of nostalgia and excitement to the show.

It’s also worth noting that Nikki Sanderson’s potential return comes at a time when Coronation Street has been embracing its rich history, bringing back several iconic characters in recent years. From Gail Platt’s ex-husband Martin Platt to fan-favorite Tracy Barlow, the show has successfully blended nostalgia with fresh storylines, proving that there’s always room for a well-timed comeback. Candice Stowe, with her vibrant personality and unfinished business in Weatherfield, would be a perfect addition to this trend, offering a mix of familiarity and unpredictability that could reinvigorate the show.

While nothing has been confirmed yet, Nikki Sanderson’s comments have given fans plenty to hope for, and the idea of Candice Stowe returning to Coronation Street after 20 years is undeniably exciting. For viewers who grew up watching Candice’s antics, her return would be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while newer fans would have the chance to discover a character who left an indelible mark on the show. Whether she comes back as a glamorous success story or a woman in search of a fresh start, Candice’s return would undoubtedly bring drama, laughter, and heart to the cobbles.

In conclusion, Nikki Sanderson’s hint at a potential Coronation Street return as Candice Stowe has reignited fans’ love for this iconic character and sparked endless speculation about what her comeback could look like. As one of the show’s most memorable characters, Candice’s return would be a major event, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and new drama. Whether it happens next year or further down the line, the prospect of seeing Candice Stowe back in Weatherfield is a thrilling one, and fans will no doubt be keeping their fingers crossed for more good news. For now, all we can do is wait, hope, and dream of the day when Candice struts back onto the cobbles, ready to take on the world—and Weatherfield—once more.