NIKKI Sanderson is a Bury girl done very good.

The actress has once again been shortlisted for her portrayal of Maxine Minniver in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks — but the modest 31-year-old simply says she is "fortunate" for a string of strong storylines.

She has been shortlisted for Best Soap Actress in this year's TV Choice Awards, with the finals taking place in London at a glitzy ceremony on September 7.

However, it is not the first time she has been noticed for her acting talent. She received nominations for Best Actress at The British Soap Awards 2014 and 2015, and nominated for Beat Serial Performance at The National Television Awards 2015.

Nikki, who also appeared in ITV soap Coronation Street as Candice Stowe, said: "I am really excited about the nomination. It's always really nice to even be on the long list, never mind the short list.

"I have been very fortunate in my career and feel very settled at Hollyoaks. I love Maxine, she's a brilliant character, and the storylines I have had have been fantastic to play.

"It wasn't difficult to make the transition between Corrie to Hollyoaks because there was enough time in between the two.

"It was nice to change because it was a new experience and a new character to get my teeth into after playing Candice for so long. Everyone is really friendly at Hollyoaks and I was welcomed with open arms.

"Maxine's had a domestic violence storyline, she's lost custody of Minnie and of course she had the suicide attempt. I feel like she's really developed in the last year — and there are more strong storylines to come."

The most recent features Maxine's her evil ex Patrick Blake, who develops motor neurone disease, paving the way for the determined mum to gain custody of their daughter once again.

Nikki said: "Maxine's lost custody of her daughter to Patrick and she's devastated by it, especially when she sees her daughter who no longer recognises her.

"So when she goes round to see him and sees the windows open and hears Minnie crying from inside, she breaks down the door. When she sees Patrick lying on the floor and discovers he has motor neurone disease she goes to straight to social services to try and get back full custody."

Born in Blackpool, Nikki moved to Bury at a young age and has spent most of her life in the town, which she calls home, and has taken part in local campaigns such as I Will If You Will which encourages women to exercise.

The former Tottington High School pupil said: "I love Bury. I've been there for a long time and all my family and friends live there.

"It is a very welcoming town. I love being from there and the people are so friendly.

"There is a pool of talent there and it's always great to see when Bury people do well. It's a great little town."