Nikki Sanderson’s Christmas Miracle: Corrie star, 41, reveals baby bump in red dress as she and Anthony Quinlan announce they’re expecting their first child

Soap sweethearts Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan have shared the kind of festive surprise no gift could ever match — announcing they are expecting their first child together.

The couple unveiled their happy news in a heartfelt Christmas video posted on Instagram. It began with a cosy shot of their Christmas tree before the camera slowly zoomed in on a bauble decorated with a baby scan. Their caption read, “Happy Christmas from the 3 of us,” followed by a tiny Christmas tree emoji and the line, “Baby Quinlan due 2026.”

Speaking exclusively in a glamorous photoshoot, former Coronation Street star Nikki, now 41, said the two of them are “over the moon” and delighted to welcome what she described as “a lovely little spring baby.”

Anthony, who fans know from Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, admitted he “can’t wait till we’re a little team of three,” adding that he “wants to shout it from the rooftops.”

The pair first confirmed their romance in early 2022 after years of friendship. At the time, Anthony openly shared that he had “always fancied her” and called Nikki “mega hot,” laughing as he recalled sliding into her DMs. Nikki, meanwhile, told fans they were “very happy” but preferred to keep their relationship mostly private. “He’s such a wonderful guy and I’m very lucky,” she said at the Pride of Manchester Awards that year.

Despite their low-key approach, Nikki has often credited Anthony for boosting her confidence and inspiring her fitness journey. She previously explained that staying active “was never really a priority” in her twenties or thirties, but now she trains three times a week and aims for 10,000 steps a day — which she joked is much easier when “your partner is very fit.”

Now, after nearly three years together, their happiest chapter is finally unfolding — and soap fans couldn’t be more thrilled for the soon-to-be family of three.