Nikki Sanderson and her partner, actor Anthony Quinlan, have confirmed they are now parents. The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy, in April 2026. This marks a major personal milestone for the 42‑year‑old actress, who had previously kept her family plans private.
Key Facts About Her Son
- Name: Anthony James Quinlan – named after his father Anthony and Nikki’s brother James.
- Born: 19 April 2026, weighing 7 lbs 9 oz.
- Nicknames used before birth: “Mini Quinny” and “Little Toe”.
- The couple learnt the baby’s gender at the 20‑week scan; Nikki said she subconsciously felt it was a boy.
- Nikki and Anthony tried to conceive for two years before the pregnancy.
- Nikki had previously frozen her eggs because of her age and biological timeline.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of children | One (son, born April 2026) |
| Child’s full name | Anthony James Quinlan |
| Birth date | 19 April 2026 |
| Birth weight | 7 lbs 9 oz |
| Nikki’s age at birth | 42 |
| Father’s name | Anthony Quinlan (actor) |
| Relationship with father | Partners since January 2022 |
| Conception journey | Two years of trying; frozen eggs used |
| Public confirmation | First exclusive interview with OK! Magazine |
| Media coverage | The Mirror, The Sun, EVOKE, OK! Magazine |
Who is Nikki Sanderson Married To? Is She in a Relationship?
Nikki Sanderson is not married. She is, however, in a long‑term relationship with fellow soap actor Anthony Quinlan. The couple began seeing each other in January 2022 and are described as being in a “loving, stable relationship”. They have not publicly announced any engagement or wedding plans.
Many older online sources incorrectly list Anthony Quinlan as Nikki Sanderson’s husband. Both actors have confirmed they are partners, not spouses. No marriage certificate or public ceremony has been reported.
Who is Anthony Quinlan?
- Born 16 October 1984 (age 41 as of mid‑2026), from Salford, England.
- Known for playing Gilly Roach in Hollyoaks (2005‑2011) and Pete Barton in Emmerdale (2013‑2020).
- Previously dated dancer Dianne Buswell (2017‑2018).
- He has one child – his son with Nikki Sanderson.
- No net worth figure is publicly available for him either.
Their relationship became public when they were seen together and later confirmed their partnership. The couple gave their first joint interview after the birth of their son to OK! Magazine, discussing their fertility journey and new life as parents.
How Old is Nikki Sanderson? A Look at Her Early Life
Nikki Sanderson was born on 28 March 1984 in Bury, Lancashire, England. As of 2026, she is 42 years old. She began her acting career as a teenager, joining the cast of Coronation Street in 1999.
Early Career Breakthrough
Sanderson played Candice Stow (sometimes spelled Candice Stowe) on Coronation Street from 1999 to 2005. The role made her a household name in the UK. After leaving the soap, she took guest roles in series such as Heartbeat before joining Hollyoaks in 2012.
Transition to Hollyoaks
In 2012, she began playing Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks, a role she held for a decade. Her departure from the soap came in 2022. Since then, she has not announced any new acting projects, though she remains active on social media.
Nikki Sanderson has spoken openly about becoming a mother at 42, saying that age should not define when someone starts a family. She emphasised that she and Anthony are in a stable relationship and feel ready.
What is Nikki Sanderson’s Net Worth and Career Background?
No verified net worth figure exists for Nikki Sanderson. Online estimates range from £500,000 to £1 million, but these are speculative and not backed by any official disclosure. Her primary income came from her long‑running roles on two major British soaps.
Career Overview
- Coronation Street (1999‑2005): Played Candice Stow, a teenage character who became a fan favourite.
- Post‑Corrie work: Guest appearances in Heartbeat and other series.
- Hollyoaks (2012‑2022): Portrayed Maxine Minniver, a complex role that earned her critical attention.
- Current status (2026): Not currently in a new acting role; focused on family life.
Nikki Sanderson has not publicly disclosed her salary, savings, or net worth. Any figure you see online is an estimate made by third parties and should be treated as such.
Nikki Sanderson: Career and Life Timeline
- 1984 – Born in Bury, Lancashire.
- 1999 – Joins Coronation Street as Candice Stow.
- 2005 – Leaves Coronation Street.
- 2012 – Begins role as Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks.
- 2022 – Departs Hollyoaks after ten years; begins relationship with Anthony Quinlan.
- April 2026 – Gives birth to son Anthony James Quinlan.
What We Know vs. What Remains Unconfirmed
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Nikki Sanderson was born 28 March 1984. | Exact net worth – no official figure exists. |
| She played Candice Stow on Coronation Street and Maxine Minniver on Hollyoaks. | Future acting projects – none announced since leaving Hollyoaks. |
| She is not married. | Wedding plans – not reported; relationship status is “partners”. |
| She has one child, a son born in April 2026. | Full details of the couple’s fertility treatment – only general statements have been shared. |
| Her partner is actor Anthony Quinlan (since Jan 2022). | Any potential return to Coronation Street – no official word. |
Why Nikki Sanderson’s Personal Life Generates So Much Search Interest
Nikki Sanderson became a familiar face on British television from a young age, which created lasting public attachment. After a decade on Hollyoaks, fans remained curious about her life off‑screen. The gap between her long screen career and the absence of clear information about her relationships and family led to widespread speculation. This article pulls together the available facts from credible sources, including her Wikipedia entry and interviews with The Mirror, to provide a clear, up‑to‑date picture.
Key Sources for This Profile
The following sources were used to compile the facts presented above. No direct interviews were conducted for this article.
- Wikipedia – Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan biographies
- IMDb – career filmography
- Instagram: @niknaksanderson
- TikTok: @niknaksanderson
- Getty Images – photo archives
- The Mirror – exclusive baby interview
- EVOKE – coverage of the birth
- The Sun – baby name announcement
- OK! Magazine interview on YouTube
Summary: Nikki Sanderson in 2026
Nikki Sanderson, 42, is a former Coronation Street and Hollyoaks star. She is in a committed relationship with actor Anthony Quinlan, with whom she shares a baby son born in April 2026. She is not married, and no verified net worth figure exists. For ongoing coverage of soap stars’ lives, see our Celebrity relationship updates and Latest soap opera news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Nikki Sanderson?
She is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
When was Nikki Sanderson born?
She was born on 28 March 1984.
Is Nikki Sanderson still acting?
As of 2026, she has not announced any new acting projects since leaving Hollyoaks in 2022.
Did Nikki Sanderson leave Coronation Street?
Yes, she departed in 2005 after six years playing Candice Stow.
How many children does Nikki Sanderson have?
She has one son, Anthony James Quinlan, born April 2026.
Is Nikki Sanderson married?
No, she is not married. She is in a relationship with Anthony Quinlan.
What is Nikki Sanderson’s net worth?
No official figure has been released; online estimates are speculative.
Who is Nikki Sanderson’s partner?
Her partner is actor Anthony Quinlan, known for Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.
What was Nikki Sanderson’s role in Hollyoaks?
She played Maxine Minniver from 2012 to 2022.
What was Nikki Sanderson’s role in Coronation Street?
She played Candice Stow from 1999 to 2005.
Henry Carter is Senior Reporter at MarketUK.uk, covering breaking business and market stories across the UK.