Nikki Sanderson, known for her roles in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, shares her joy over expecting her first child at age 41 while confronting harsh online criticism from trolls.
Pregnancy Announcement and Gender Reveal
The actress revealed her pregnancy in December alongside partner Anthony Quinlan. Last month, the couple shared they are having a boy through an exciting gender reveal.
They announced the news via an Instagram video during Christmas. Dressed in a figure-hugging red gown that highlighted her baby bump, Sanderson posted footage of a Christmas tree. The clip zoomed in on a bauble featuring a baby scan image. The caption read: “Happy Christmas from the 3 of us” with a Christmas tree emoji, followed by “Baby Quinlan due 2026” and a heart emoji. In the video, Quinlan felt her bump as they shared a kiss.
Speaking about their journey, the couple, who recently left her role as Hollyoaks’ Maxine Minniver, expressed delight. “We’re over the moon,” Sanderson said. “It’s going to be a lovely little spring baby.” Quinlan added he “can’t wait till we’re a little team of three. I want to shout it from the rooftops!”
Cruel Online Trolls Target Sanderson
Despite the happiness, Sanderson faces disturbing abuse online. Trolls label her selfish for having a baby at her age. “Some people said I was selfish to have a baby at ‘my age,'” she stated. Quinlan responded: “Do they not know we are the same age? It’s clearly not selfish for him!”
The criticism focuses on her as the mother. “We’re both in our 40s, but it was targeted at me, the female in the dynamic. How can it be selfish for the mother, but not the father?”
Trolls also warn of health risks, blaming her outright. “Some people also said that if there’s anything wrong with our baby, I’m to blame and I should feel bad for it. It’s so hurtful. Why would anyone say something like that?” Additionally, some attack the couple for not being married.
Celebrity Friends Offer Support
Famous friends flooded the comments with congratulations. Co-star Helen Flanagan wrote: “So so happy for you both ❤️✨.” Samia Maxine Longchambon added: “SOOO happy for you guys! Can’t wait to meet baby.” Hollyoaks actress Mandip Gill commented: “CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! so happy for you both ❤️.”
The pair began dating at the start of 2022. Quinlan, formerly of Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, now runs an online personal training and supplements business. Quinlan publicly confirmed their relationship in April that year, stating he felt “really, really happy.”
