Stenson: 'Oaks exit was really sad'

Carley Stenson has said that she is trying "to hold back the tears" over her Hollyoaks exit.

The actress, who has played Steph Dean in the Chester-based soap since 2000, recently completed filming her last appearances after announcing her decision to quit earlier this year.

Her departure will see the climax of a storyline which sees Steph struggle with terminal cervical cancer.

Stenson told PA: "My final scenes were really sad and emotional. I've said to everyone as soon as I let the flood gates open there's no stopping me so I've tried to hold back the tears as much as I can. It will hit me in a few months' time."

Following her Hollyoaks departure, Stenson is due to take up the role of Margot in Legally Blonde: The Musical in London's West End.

The 28-year-old has already begun rehearsing with the cast, and said: "It's been really fun. Everyone's lovely. It's intense and I'm learning a lot so quickly."