Nikki Sanderson featured on BBC Morning Live for a special segment.
Former Coronation Street star Nikki Sanderson has courageously opened up about her mum’s life-threatening health crisis.
During Tuesday’s edition of BBC Morning Live, the 41-year-old actress—who played Candice Stowe on Corrie from 1999 to 2005 and later portrayed Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks from 2012 to 2025—presented a hard-hitting health segment.
Host Gethin Jones set the scene, saying: “Every second counts in a medical emergency, and taking the right action can be the difference between life and death, particularly in cardiac arrests, where defibrillators can double a person’s chance of survival.”
Co-presenter Helen Skelton added: “It might seem obvious, but sometimes this equipment isn’t available or ready to use, and the consequences can be devastating, as actress Nikki Sanderson knows all too well.”
During the emotional segment, Nikki—who recently revealed she is expecting her first child—explained: “In November 2021, my mum suffered a cardiac arrest,” according to Wales Online.
She added: “Her life was saved by performing CPR until a paramedic arrived with a defibrillator. Both were crucial in keeping her alive.”
The programme then showed a heartfelt video message from Nikki’s mum, who said: “I’m here today because of CPR. It kept oxygen flowing to my brain. The sooner it’s started, the better the chances, and that’s why I’m able to have this conversation with you now.”
Nikki continued: “I’m so grateful that my mum was one of the lucky ones who survived. But defibrillators aren’t always available when and where they’re needed, and the consequences can be devastating.”
The actress emphasised: “Making sure defibrillators are accessible, properly installed, and maintained is a big responsibility, but it’s essential for saving lives.”
After the segment, presenter Helen Skelton commented: “Thank you, Nikki, and it’s wonderful to see your mum doing well!”
This comes after Nikki paid tribute to the man who helped save her mum’s life in 2022, writing: “This is Howard, the first responder who saved my mum’s life.”
“A year ago today, our world was turned upside down. On the early evening of November 14th, my brother and sister-in-law received a distressing call from my mum, who was incoherently saying she was in severe pain.
“My brother Anthony and I rushed to her house, as it was completely out of character for mum to complain about being unwell. Less than five minutes after we arrived, she went into cardiac arrest and appeared to have died. We immediately began CPR under the guidance of the 999 operator, who remained calm and supportive during the most frightening and traumatic moment of our lives.
“Minutes later, Howard arrived. He had expected to attend to a woman having a seizure, so it was a huge shock when he entered the room. Yet, with his quick thinking and exceptional expertise, he began working on mum to get a pulse.
“He never gave up. Even when the odds were against her, he refused to call time of death, determined to bring her back—and eventually, he did, alongside the ambulance crew who arrived shortly after. Mum suffered another cardiac arrest upon reaching the hospital, and the incredible team there worked for just under 49 minutes to revive her and save her life.
“This past year has been an incredibly challenging journey, navigating all the complications that arose, but mum has fought hard every step of the way, refusing to give up.
“There are no words to express our gratitude to Howard, the North West ambulance team, and all the amazing surgeons, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Fairfield and Salford Royal who saved mum’s life and cared for her as if she were their own family.
“There’s still a long road ahead, but with our fantastic NHS supporting us, we’re confident that mum will have a wonderful future.” ❤️❤️
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