Matt Littler played Max Cunningham in Hollyoaks for 11 years before his character was killed off on his wedding day in 2008
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
18:15, 21 Sep 2025
Hollyoaks’ Max and Tom Cunningham during the 2000s (Image: Channel 4)
Hollyoaks legend Matt Littler is virtually unrecognisable from his beloved soap character Max Cunningham, 17 years after departing the Channel 4 drama.
Matt, now 43, seems to have forged a thriving career behind the scenes following his character’s dramatic exit from the programme back in 2008.
The ex-soap favourite joined Hollyoaks as Max in 1997, stepping into the role previously held by Ben Sheriff. His character became renowned for his tight-knit and comedic bond with best mate Sam ‘OB’ O’Brien, portrayed by Darren Jeffries.
Though their bromance faced numerous challenges over the years, particularly when Clare Devine, played by Gemma Bissix, entered the picture, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Hollyoaks’ Max died on his wedding day to Steph (Image: Channel 4)
Eventually, Max discovered romance with Steph Dean (Carley Stenson) and the pair made plans for their future together.
Tragically, disaster struck during Max and Steph’s wedding ceremony when the bridegroom was struck by a vehicle driven by his intoxicated rival Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane).
Max perished at the scene whilst Steph, OB and his younger sibling Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) desperately attempted to rescue him.
After departing the soap in 2008, Matt has transitioned from performing in front of the lens to working behind it, now creating documentaries and short films.
Matt Littler is famed for playing Max Cunningham on Hollyoaks(Image: Tim Roney/Getty Images)
Earlier this year Matt shared news of his latest venture after securing work with an “award winning director” and jetted off to Texas for production.
Posting on Instagram, Matt looked directly at the camera and said: “It’s not every day you get booked by an Emmy award winning director and your old gaffer from T4 to fay out to Texas to shot in VR.
“Erm that’s what’s just happened, and here I am in Texas filming in VR, feels like the thing you should make social media about.”
Matt Littler is now working behind the camera after leaving Hollyoaks in 2008(Image: Matt Littler / Instagram )
Announcing his thrilling new gig across the pond, Matt penned: “Spent last week at #SXSW shooting immersive and generally causing trouble with @richcook01 Met some awesome people – @victoriapchamlee @samwrench and the whole SXSW team, thanks so much for an awesome shoot!”.
In another Instagram snap, Matt was spotted braving the London rain as he made his way to the House of Lords to discuss immersive technology and its potential to enhance learning for youngsters. His other ventures include utilising his skills to combat knife crime.
When he’s not in front of the camera, Matt also works as a vocal coach and his voice has been featured in several Game Of Thrones video games.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am