Soap stars Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan have announced they are expecting their first child together, sharing the happy news on Christmas Eve.
The couple revealed their pregnancy through an Instagram video showing their Christmas tree, with the camera focusing on a special bauble displaying their baby scan image.
Their post was captioned: “Happy Christmas from the 3 of us,” followed by “Baby Quinlan due 2026.”
The 41-year-old former Coronation Street actress told the Mirror the pair are “over the moon” about their news, adding: “We’re happy to say it’s going to be a lovely little spring baby.”
Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan shared their baby news on social media
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Mr Quinlan expressed his excitement, saying he “can’t wait till we’re a little team of three. I want to shout it from the rooftops!”
The couple have been together since early 2022, with Mr Quinlan confirming their romance publicly that April.
Speaking about how they got together, Mr Quinlan previously revealed: “I’ve always fancied her. She’s mega hot, right? We’ve known each other for years.”
He explained that despite rumours they met at a gym, their relationship actually began online: “I slid into the DMs and that was it. I was lucky enough to get a date and the rest is history.”
Before finding love together, Ms Sanderson had ended a five-year relationship with Greg Whitehurst, whilst Mr Quinlan had previously dated Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell.
Ms Sanderson became a household name playing the feisty Candice Stowe on Coronation Street before later joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Maxine Minniver, a role she departed in April 2024.
Mr Quinlan has also built an impressive soap CV, appearing in both Hollyoaks and Emmerdale during his acting career.
The father-to-be has since moved into the fitness industry, running an online personal training and supplements business.
Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan are both well-known soap stars
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Despite their high-profile careers, the couple have largely kept their relationship private, with Ms Sanderson previously stating at the 2022 Pride of Manchester awards: “We are very happy and we are quite private, so I won’t talk too much about it.”
Following their social media announcement, co-stars of the two soon flooded the comments section with their congratulatory messages.
Corrie’s Brooke Vincent and Helen Flanagan both replied with love-heart-eyed emojis, while Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna typed: “Ah congratulations.”
“Gorgeous news,” Jennifer Metcalfe echoed with love-heart emojis, while Samia Longchambon weighed in: “SOOO happy for you guys! Can’t wait to meet baby.”
Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan
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“SOB,” Emmerdale’s Charley Webb simply responded, before Hollywoaks star Tamara Wall said: “I’m so excited!!!! Couldn’t wish it more for the nicest couple! Love you noodles!!!” (sic)
