Stephanie Waring says Stephanie Davis has "grown up a lot" since her first stint in ‘Hollyoaks’.
The 39-year-old actress – who plays Cindy Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap – says the 25-year-old star, who is to reprise her role as Sinead O’Connor, is a "truly wonderful human being" and she is delighted her pal is returning to the programme.
She said: "Do you know what, she has really grown up a lot and she has really taken control of everything in her life and everything that has happened with people.
"She is a really truly wonderful human being and I couldn’t be happier to have her back on the show."
Waring has predicted her namesake – who has battled alcohol addiction and been assaulted by her ex Jeremy McConnell since she was last on the soap from 2010 to 2015 – will "do wonderful things" on ‘Hollyoaks’.
She added to Daily Star Online: "I think everyone deserves a second chance and she has proved herself.
"I think she is going to do wonderful things for the show in the future."
Waring’s comments come after ‘Hollyoaks’ boss Bryan Kirkwood recently praised Davis’ "remarkable courage and strength" after she went through a "really tough time".
He said: "I am Stephanie’s biggest fan. I think she has shown remarkable courage and strength over the last year. She has been through a really tough time in the public eye, but she’s now come out the other side.
"Stephanie turned her life around, is making better choices and is returning to what she does brilliantly – and that’s being a fantastic actress."
Hollyoaks’ Stephanie Waring praises ‘grown up’ Steph Davis
