Anthony Quinlan and Nikki Sanderson have 'shortlist of three or four' names as son to arrive 'any day now'
Anthony Quinlan and Nikki Sanderson are set to welcome their son into the world "any day now" as his April 25 due date is just around the corner.
Soap couple Anthony Quinlan and Nikki Sanderson have a “shortlist of three or four” baby names for their soon-to-be-born son.
The pair are set to welcome their bundle of joy into the world "any day now" after Hollyoaks' Nikki faced a “few issues in the first trimester”, a "brilliant" second and a “more and more uncomfortable” third, but they have not settled on a name.
Anthony, 41, told Emmerdale Insider on behalf of Which Bingo: "I do love traditional names - there’s something about them. Though there are probably seven or eight kids with the same traditional name in every school now, which makes it tricky.
"Interestingly, girl names came a lot more easily than boy names for us - they came much more naturally. But we’ve got a few shortlisted, and we’re going to wait until he’s here to see which one fits. It’s very exciting."
The actor - who played Pete Barton in ITV's Emmerdale from 2013 until 2020 - is in disbelief that the April 25 due date for their baby boy has almost arrived.
Anthony said: "It’s impending any day now. The due date was the 25th of April. We’ve got everything ready - hospital bags, the lot. We’re both eagerly anticipating his grand arrival. We cannot wait."
The star has loved the natural pregnancy journey after he and Nikki - who played Maxine Miniver in Channel 4's Hollyoaks from 2012 until 2025 - struggled to conceive for over two years, underwent fertility treatment and were on a waiting list for IVF.
Anthony recalled: "When we found out the sex, I felt a real connection that made everything feel more real. I could feel the kicks and movements, watch the bump growing all the time. It’s just magical.
"I was longing for more of that connection, and then I finally got it. I can’t tell you how much you can love something before it’s even here.
"I’m sure it’s going to be even harder to describe once he arrives. I don’t think, unless it’s actually your own child, you can ever understand it."
Anthony hopes that he and his boy will share similar characteristics.
The entertainer explained: "I’m a complete mummy’s boy myself - I’m 41 now and my mum is my queen. I really want that for Nick, too. I’m sure he’s going to be a mummy’s boy, and I can’t wait.
"And at some point, I’ll have someone to share the trials and tribulations of watching Man United with."
Anthony and 42-year-old Nikki - who announced they were expecting their first child together in December 2025 - are grateful for her 51-year-old co-star Jamie Lomas - who is engaged to cosmetic dentist Dr Jess Bell - being on hand for support.
Anthony said: "He recently had little Bella, and she’s absolutely stunning, such a great little character. He’s always there for advice if I ever need it. He’s a great dad and a great friend.
"But ultimately you’ve got to make your own way, haven’t you? All anyone ever says is, 'Enjoy your sleep.'"
