Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan, known for playing Pete Barton, recently shared a touching message for his partner, soap actress Nikki Sanderson, as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. Sanderson, famous for her roles in Corrie and Hollyoaks, announced her pregnancy with Quinlan on Instagram through a festive video on Christmas Eve.

The video captured the couple decorating a Christmas tree, culminating in the reveal of a special ornament featuring their baby scan photo with the message “Baby Quinlan: Arriving 2026.” Sanderson, aged 41, has been updating her followers on her pregnancy journey, showcasing a recent photo of herself gently cradling her baby bump.

Their colleagues, including Helen Flanagan and Stephanie Waring, showered the couple with compliments on the pregnancy announcement. The couple, who began dating in 2022, faced challenges in conceiving, enduring a two-year struggle before Sanderson naturally became pregnant, following initial IVF preparations.

Sanderson, who departed from Hollyoaks last year after portraying Maxine Minniver since 2012, had previously starred in Coronation Street as Candice Stowe. Quinlan, who played Gilly Roach in Hollyoaks, later portrayed Peter Barton in Emmerdale until his character’s exit in January 2020.