Actress Nikki Sanderson, known for her roles in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, and her partner Anthony Quinlan have welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Anthony James Quinlan. The couple, both soap stars, shared their joy and the details of their birth experience in an exclusive interview.
The Birth Story
Baby Anthony James was born on April 19, weighing 7lbs 9oz. His name honours his father Anthony and Nikki's brother James. Nikki, 42, described her son as calm and said she is 'completely obsessed' with him. The birth was not straightforward; Nikki was induced at 39 weeks but became hypersensitive to the hormonal gel, leading to 24 hours of non-stop contractions without dilation. Doctors advised an emergency C-section to prevent distress to the baby.
'I was in such horrific pain,' Nikki recalled. 'My body was exhausted.' Anthony added that Nikki was so tired she lacked the strength for labour. Nikki agreed to the surgery without hesitation, saying, 'Do whatever you think is best, so long as the baby comes out and he's safe.'
Recovery and Support
Nikki admitted the recovery from the C-section was more painful than expected due to prolonged contractions. She praised Anthony for his support, noting he had to care for both her and their son initially. Anthony said he tried to stop Nikki from overexerting herself, but she is strong-willed. The couple spent three days in hospital before returning home.
'He's been fantastic,' Nikki said of Anthony. 'His support has been invaluable.' Anthony described their son as a good boy who rarely fusses, and the couple feel he has always been part of their lives.
Family and Reactions
The couple have introduced baby Anthony to family and close friends, including celebrity pal Jamie Lomas. They have chosen to call him Anthony, though nicknames like AJ, Tony, and Little Toe have emerged. Nikki froze her eggs early in their relationship, and the couple tried for two years to conceive naturally before discovering they were pregnant just before starting IVF.
Nikki faced online trolling about her age during pregnancy but is determined to ignore negativity. 'It shouldn't matter how old you are,' she said. 'We have our beautiful boy and he is happy and loved.' Anthony agreed, noting his own mother was 16 when she had him. The couple are now focused on their future with their son, despite the added complexity of parenting.
'Life has been so much more enriched by having him here,' Nikki said. 'He absolutely melts our hearts.'
