Hollyoaks Stars Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan Reveal Their Baby Boy’s Name – and the Heartfelt Family Tribute Behind It

For weeks, fans had only known him as the couple’s precious “little boy.”

Now, former Hollyoaks stars Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan have finally shared the name of their newborn son — and the touching story behind it is already melting hearts.

The beloved soap stars welcomed their first child together in April, marking an exciting new chapter in their relationship. While they delighted fans with the announcement of their son’s arrival, they initially chose to keep one important detail private.

That mystery has now been solved.

The proud parents have revealed that their baby boy is named Anthony James Quinlan — a name carrying deep personal meaning for both mum and dad.

While the little one proudly shares his father’s first name, it is his middle name that holds a particularly emotional significance. Speaking about the decision, Nikki explained that “James” was chosen in honour of her brother, creating a tribute to two of the most important men in her life.

“Two very special men,” the actress lovingly said.

The announcement comes just months after the couple surprised fans with their pregnancy news during the festive season. At the time, they shared a heartwarming Christmas video revealing that Baby Quinlan would be arriving in spring 2026.

In the clip, Nikki and Anthony were seen decorating their Christmas tree together before unveiling the most meaningful ornament of all — a baby-themed decoration featuring their ultrasound image and the words: “Baby Quinlan, arriving 2026.”

The joyful reveal quickly captured the attention of fans, many of whom have followed the couple’s relationship since they first went public in 2022.

Now, with a newborn at home and two Anthonys under one roof, family life is already proving entertaining.

Speaking about the challenge of avoiding confusion, Anthony joked that relatives and friends have come up with several different nicknames for the newest member of the family.

“Different members of our family and friends have all started calling him different things,” he explained.

“Some call him AJ, some call him Tony. I used to be called Toe, so he’s become Little Toe. I absolutely love that he carries my name.”

Although the couple have happily shared details about their growing family, they have so far chosen not to post photographs showing their son’s face on social media, keeping part of their family life private as they settle into parenthood.

Nikki and Anthony’s love story began in 2022, and their relationship has continued to go from strength to strength ever since.

The actress became a household name through her role as Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks, a character she portrayed for more than a decade before departing the show last year. Long-time soap fans will also remember her early television success as bubbly hairdresser Candice Stowe in Coronation Street.

Anthony, meanwhile, is equally familiar to soap audiences, having appeared as Gilly Roach in Hollyoaks before later starring as Pete Barton in Emmerdale.

Today, however, their biggest roles are no longer on television screens.

They are simply Mum and Dad — and judging by the joy surrounding baby Anthony James Quinlan, it is a role both are embracing with all their hearts.