Soap opera favourites Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan have shared an emotional and candid insight into their journey to parenthood, revealing they are expecting their first child together after a two-year struggle to conceive.
A Whirlwind of Emotions After Positive Test
The couple, both 41, described a mix of elation and anxiety when they finally saw a positive pregnancy test result at their home in North Manchester. Nikki Sanderson, known for her roles in Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, said she felt "on cloud nine" but was immediately gripped by worries about the pregnancy's progression.
"I felt absolutely elated that we got this confirmation," Nikki explained. "The first time seeing the heartbeat on the scans was the most amazing, incredible feeling. But I also felt a lot of anxiety – just worrying that the baby was OK."
Her partner, Anthony Quinlan of Hollyoaks and Emmerdale fame, echoed her protective sentiments. "We were thrilled but kind of held back from getting too excited because we're aware of the troubles that can happen," he admitted. "You're in that protective mode where you want everything to be OK."
The Long Road to Conception and IVF Plans
The pregnancy came as a particular surprise as the couple had endured a difficult two-year journey and had already begun exploring fertility treatment options. They revealed they had taken the first steps towards IVF after numerous disappointments.
"We've had a lot of ups and downs in our journey to becoming parents and it's been really hard on us," Nikki confessed. Anthony added that they were "resigned to the fact that we may need assistance via IVF" after so much hoping.
The news was especially shocking as Nikki experienced no early symptoms. The pair only discovered she was four to five weeks pregnant after a missed period, having even competed in a fitness competition together in the preceding weeks.
Navigating Pregnancy and Future Plans
Nikki, who left her role as Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks last April, is due to give birth in the spring. The couple are keeping the exact due date private to avoid external pressure. "I'm worried about the pressure of people being like, 'Has she had the baby yet?'" Nikki explained.
The pregnancy has not been without its challenges. Nikki described the first 14 to 16 weeks as "pretty difficult," battling nausea, extreme exhaustion, and undergoing emergency scans due to bleeding. Thankfully, her condition has since settled.
Looking ahead, the couple plan to find out their baby's gender but will have the scan results sealed in an envelope to open privately or with loved ones. They are finding it easier to agree on girls' names than boys'.
Nikki, who is classed as a high-risk pregnancy due to her age and other medical factors, plans to give birth in a hospital for safety. She hopes to breastfeed but is adopting a pragmatic approach, prioritising what is best for the baby.
Reflecting on their journey as a couple, Nikki praised their strong partnership. "We've been blessed that we are a team," she said, squeezing Anthony's hand. Anthony, visibly moved, shared his anticipation: "It's crazy how you can love something so much that isn't even present in the world properly yet. I just can't wait till we're a little team of three."
