Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan revealed they are expecting their first child together on Instagram on Wednesday.
The actress, 41, announced the incredible news in a figure-hugging red dress, where she debuted her bump.
Sharing a sweet video of a Christmas tree on Instagram on Wednesday, the pair zoomed in on a bauble which had an image of a baby scan.
The caption simply read: ‘Happy Christmas from the 3 of us’, alongside a Christmas tree emoji.
Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan wrote: ‘Baby Quinlan due 2026’ with a heart emoji after the former Emmerdale star felt her bump and the couple embraced in a kiss.
Speaking to the Mirror during a shoot about their pregnancy journey, former Corrie star Nikki, 41, who quit her role as Hollyoaks’ Maxine Minniver last April, said the couple are ‘over the moon’.
She said: ‘We’re happy to say it’s going to be a lovely little spring baby.’
In the heartwarming clip, the pair are seen decorating their Christmas tree then Anthony, 41, hands Nikki a gift box where she pulls out the special bauble.
Famous friends of the stars rushed to the comments to share their well wishes to the soon-to-be parents.
Nikki’s costar Helen Flanagan wrote: ‘So so happy for you both ❤️✨.’
Another former colleague, Samia Maxine Longchambon, added: ‘SOOO happy for you guys! Cant wait to meet baby.’
Hollyoaks actress Mandip Gill commented: ‘CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! so happy for you both ❤️.’
Meanwhile Jacob Roberts said: ‘Congratulations to you both ❤️.’
Ex On The Beach star Jess Impiazzi said: ‘Congratulations guys wonderful news ❤️❤️’
Anthony, who previously starred in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale and now runs an online PT and supplements business, said he ‘can’t wait till we’re a little team of three. I want to shout it from the rooftops!’
The loved-up pair have been dating since the start of 2022 after Anthony publicly announced their partnership in April, confessing he was ‘really, really happy’.
Previously speaking about their relationship in 2022 to The Sun, the star admitted: ‘I’ve always fancied her. She’s mega hot, right?’
He added: We’ve known each other for years… There were rumours we met at the gym, which we had a bit of a laugh about.
‘I slid into the DMs and that was it. I was lucky enough to get a date and the rest is history.
‘All I can say is I’m really, really happy and she’s a very special girl. She’s lovely.’
He went on to discuss why they have kept the relationship out of the spotlight, saying: ‘I’m happy that it is what it is and we haven’t got everyone prying.’
Nikki made their relationship Instagram official days after Anthony confirmed their romance, sharing a gushing birthday tribute.
In the heartwarming post, the couple beamed as they cosied up in the snap while out for a meal to mark the special occasion.
Nikki gushed over Anthony as she captioned the snap: ‘The happiest of happy birthdays to the man who makes me smile the most ❤️ I hope your day is as amazing as you are.’
Anthony replied in the comments: ‘Thank you baby ❤️❤️❤️’
Nikki is often seen gushing about Anthony, where in a March post she wrapped her arms around her partner’s waist and looked adoringly up at him as they posed for the cameras.
She captioned the loved-up picture: ‘Don’t look for someone to grow old with, find someone to stay young with.’