Hollyoaks star Annie Wallace posts emotional goodbye video to fans after being axed from the soap
HOLLYOAKS star Annie Wallace has bid a heartfelt goodbye to the series after being axed from the show as part of its brutal cull.
The actress, who plays Sally St Claire on the Channel 4 soap, has already filmed her final scenes which will air next week.
It comes amid a massive shake-up sees Hollyoaks jump forward a year into the future with several cast members moving on.
Sharing an update after the news broke, Annie posted on Instagram thanking fans for their messages of support as she prepares to say goodbye to the dramatic village.
The Scottish actress said: “Hi there, folks. Thank you so much for your kind words, here, there and everywhere. It’s been really nice.
“It is a bit emotional, but hopefully you will enjoy Sally’s last episodes next week, which are really exciting. I saw the previews a couple of days ago, and I saw the time jump, the first time jump episode, and it is stunning. So do enjoy.”
As for the massive cull and switch up – which is happening due to the show stripping back its budget and being cut from five episodes a week to three, Annie added: “Stick with Hollyoaks. You know, it’s a time of change, but sometimes change isn’t necessarily a horrible thing.”
“So I will see you around and about. I’m not going anywhere, you know! I’m still contactable,” she laughed. “I hope you enjoy, and I’ll see you soon.”
Fans were quick to send their love to Annie, who has played Sally on the soap for the past nine years, becoming a firm fan favourite in the process.
“I’m gutted Sally is going, she was one of my favourite characters & you play her so well,” wrote one, adding: “I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!”
“Life on the open road – you will THRIVE.. Go Slay,” wrote another.
A third commented: “Oh Annie we’re going to miss you! Good luck and all the best for whatever’s coming next for you!”
While a fourth noted: Can’t believe they let you go, you are a fantastic actress and everybody loves Sally, good luck in your new adventures”.
New executive producer Hannah Cheers stepped in earlier this year to shepherd the show through its changes – with ratings soaring since she took over.
However, the cull – which is months in the making – has been referred to as a ‘bloodbath’ with up to 20 stars disappearing from the soap by the time it’s over, including long-running fan favourites.
Who's leaving Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks is going to lose dozens of characters in the next few weeks as the cull and time jump. Here are the stars already confirmed to be leaving - and who's been rumoured.
CONFIRMED
- Jonas Khan (Zain Rizwaan) – Zain suffered a stroke on screen with actor Jonas confirming he’s shot his last scenes.
- Jamelia (Sharon Bailey) – Sharon left for a new life in Dubai
- Lily Best (Lizzie Chen-Williams) – Lizzie died on screen after taking dodgy drugs at her father’s wedding.
- Ross Adams (Scott Drinkwell)
- Stephanie Waring (Cindy Cunningham) – After 28 years on the soap, Stephanie confirmed she would be leaving.
- Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox) – Volunteered to leave the show
- Owen Warner (Romeo Nightingale) – Volunteered to leave the show
- Theo Graham (Hunter McQueen) – Exit was confirmed in mid-April, with final scenes already shot.
- Charlie Behan (Charlie Dean)
- Annie Wallace (Sally St Claire) – Sparked after on-screen son James Sutton, who plays John-Paul, was seen in a suit you would wear to a funeral, alongside concerning spoilers. Was later confirmed by the team.
- David Joshua Anthony (Andre Clark)
- Emma Rigby (Hannah Ashworth) – Following a string of deleted social media posts hinting she was ‘ready for movies and TV’
- Iz Heskith (Izzy Draper)
RUMOURED
- Richard Blackwood (Felix Westwood) – called a Liverpool stand-up gig a ‘homecoming and a farewell’ causing concern
- Alex Fletcher (Diane Hutchison) – Removed mention of Hollyoaks from her social media.
- Gregory Finneran (James Nightingale) – shared new headshots online prompting fears he was looking for work