Exclusive: Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan share baby joy as they’re expecting their first child

Soap star couple Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan are expecting their first child together, they have revealed in an exclusive interview.

Sharing a sweet video on their Instagram accounts of a Christmas tree, before zooming in on a bauble with an image of a baby scan, their caption simply read, Happy Christmas from the 3 of us’, alongside a Christmas tree emoji, then the words, ‘Baby Quinlan due 2026’ with a heart emoji.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror during a glamorous shoot about their pregnancy journey, glowing former Corrie star Nikki, 41, who quit her role as Hollyoaks ’ Maxine Minniver last April, says the couple are ‘over the moon’ at their gorgeous news, adding, “We’re happy to say it’s going to be a lovely little spring baby.”

And dad-to-be Anthony, who previously starred in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale and runs an online PT and supplements business, admits sweetly that he “can’t wait till we’re a little team of three. I want to shout it from the rooftops!”

The loved-up pair have been dating since the start of 2022 to the delight of soap fans, Anthony publicly confirmed their romance that April, confessing he was “really, really happy”.

It followed Nikki’s split from her ex of five years, Greg Whitehurst, while Anthony was previously in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing pro, Dianne Buswell.

Speaking about their relationship in 2022, Anthony said that the pair had a solid friendship before things eventually turned romantic. “I’ve always fancied her. She’s mega hot, right?“, he said at the time before adding: “We’ve known each other for years.”

He added, “There were rumours we met at the gym, which we had a bit of a laugh about. I slid into the DMs and that was it. I was lucky enough to get a date and the rest is history.“

Despite their celebrity status, the couple tend to keep their romance low-key. Nikki, who sometimes shares updates on the couple’s life on social media, revealed coyly at that year’s Pride of Manchester awards that May, “You know what, we are very happy and we are quite private so I won’t talk too much about it, but we are very happy. He’s such a wonderful guy and I’m very lucky.”

The actress, who previously played sassy Candice Stowe on the cobbles, in November credited Anthony for boosting her confidence and helping her become passionate about fitness. Nikki told Closer magazine, “Keeping fit was never really a priority in my twenties or thirties – now I’m training around three times a week, and I can’t get enough of walking.

“It’s so underrated physically and mentally. I aim for 10,000 steps a day, even if it means walking around my home to get the last few in. Of course, it helps that my partner is very fit.”

The couple grace our January 4 Notebook cover