Anthony Quinlan and Nikki Sanderson are expecting their first child after a two-year struggle with fertility
Anthony Quinlan, who plays Pete Barton on Emmerdale, shared a heartfelt message for his fellow soap star partner as they get ready to welcome their first child together.
Nikki Sanderson, known for her roles as Candice Stowe in Coronation Street and Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks, revealed her pregnancy alongside Anthony, 41, in a video posted to Instagram on Christmas Eve.
The caption read: “Merry Christmas from the 3 of us. Baby Quinlan due Spring 2026.”
In the video, the couple were seen decorating their Christmas tree together, adding baubles, before opening a box to reveal the most special ornament of all — a decoration featuring a baby scan photo that read: “Baby Quinlan: Arriving 2026.”
Nikki, 41, is expecting her baby this Spring and has been keeping fans up to date on her pregnancy journey. On Monday (January 26), she shared a beautiful photo of herself, gently resting a hand on her growing bump.
The soap star wore a white crop top paired with chequered trousers for the shot. She captioned it: “Living in @anthonyquinny clothes right now… especially his pj bottoms… Thanks hun #whatsyoursismine #sharing #pregnant #maternity #baby.”
Anthony responded sweetly, writing: “Oi! Gimme back my Rupert kecks (laughing face) — you and bump do look better in them though.”
Other former co-stars of the couple quickly filled the comments with compliments, celebrating Nikki’s pregnancy update.
Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan commented: “So so beautiful x,” while Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring added: “Beautiful,” along with a string of heart emojis.
Jessica Fox also wrote to her former Hollyoaks co-star: “Oh look at you,” and Alex Fletcher simply posted a heart emoji.
Nikki and Anthony began their relationship in 2022, going public in April of that year.
As they prepare to welcome their first child, Nikki’s pregnancy has not been without its challenges, following a difficult journey to this moment
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Nikki revealed that the couple had endured a two-year struggle with fertility and had already explored IVF before conceiving naturally.
“Because we’d had several attempts that didn’t work, it felt surreal when it finally happened,” she explained.
The mum-to-be added: “There have been so many highs and lows on our journey to parenthood, and it’s been really tough on us.”
Anthony admitted that they had almost given up hope, saying: “We had come to terms with possibly needing IVF. We wanted this so badly and were just holding on, hoping, hoping, hoping.”
Last year, Nikki stepped away from her role as Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks, a character she had portrayed since 2012.
Prior to that, she began her soap career on Coronation Street, playing the spirited hairdresser Candice Stowe in Weatherfield from 1999 to 2005.
Meanwhile, Anthony departed Hollyoaks in November 2011 after six years as Gilly Roach. He later joined Emmerdale as Peter Barton, a role he played from 2013 until his final appearance in January 2020.
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