Anthony Quinlan and Nikki Sanderson have ‘shortlist of three or four’ names as son to arrive ‘any day now’
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.'”
