The moment is nearly here — and it’s nothing short of magical. Anthony Quinlan, the beloved former Emmerdale star, is on the verge of experiencing the greatest joy of his life: becoming a father. With his partner, Nikki Sanderson, expecting their first child together, fans are holding their breath as they eagerly await the arrival of Baby Quinlan—a baby boy who is set to make his grand entrance into the world any day now.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Daily, Anthony shared the exhilarating news that Nikki’s due date is just around the corner — April 25. With emotions running high and the couple fully immersed in the final stages of this pregnancy, it’s clear that this little bundle of joy is about to change their lives forever.
A Journey Full of Emotions: From First Trimester Struggles to Final Countdown
It hasn’t been an easy ride for Nikki and Anthony. From early pregnancy complications to the exhaustion of the final stretch, they’ve faced their share of challenges. However, through it all, their love and anticipation have only grown stronger. “We’ve got everything ready — hospital bags, the lot. We’re both eagerly anticipating his grand arrival. We cannot wait,” Anthony shared, revealing that despite the tough moments, the second trimester brought them the relief and hope they so desperately needed.
For Anthony, the connection with his unborn son has been nothing short of emotional. “When we found out the sex, I felt a real connection that made everything feel more real,” he said. “I could feel the kicks and movements, watch the bump growing all the time. It’s just magical.”
The soon-to-be dad, now 41, opened up about the overwhelming feeling of love for someone who isn’t even born yet. “I can’t tell you how much you can love something before it’s even here,” he said with a smile. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, as Anthony and Nikki prepare to welcome their little one into a world filled with excitement, joy, and uncontainable love.
A Baby Boy, A New Beginning — And A Name That Holds Tradition
Despite being so close to their baby boy’s arrival, Anthony and Nikki are still figuring out the perfect name. It’s no surprise that choosing the right name for their little one has been a journey of its own. “We’ve got a shortlist of three or four names,” Anthony revealed, admitting that it’s been much easier to pick girl names than boy names. However, despite the challenges, he’s drawn to more traditional options. “I do love traditional names — there’s something about them,” he confessed. “Though there are probably seven or eight kids with the same traditional name in every school now, which makes it tricky.”
The couple is in no rush to make a final decision, preferring to wait until their son is born before choosing the perfect name. Anthony hinted at the possibility of his son growing up to be a “mummy’s boy,” a sentiment that only adds to the excitement of what’s to come. And as the days tick down to the big moment, there’s no doubt that Anthony and Nikki are brimming with anticipation for their son’s arrival — and for the journey they’re about to embark on as a family.
Support from Fellow Stars — A Journey Shared with Friends
As a first-time dad, Anthony has found support in unexpected places. Fellow soap star Jamie Lomas has been a guiding presence throughout this journey, offering advice and wisdom from his own experience as a father. “He’s always there for advice if I ever need it. He’s a great dad and a great friend,” Anthony said. While most of the advice he’s received can be summed up in one simple piece of wisdom — “enjoy your sleep” — Anthony is ready to embrace the challenges and joys of fatherhood with open arms.
As Nikki’s due date quickly approaches, Anthony’s excitement is palpable. With their hospital bags packed and their hearts full of anticipation, the Quinlan-Sanderson family is ready to begin a new chapter. This little boy will not only bring joy to his parents but to the countless fans who have been following their journey.
In just a few short days, Anthony and Nikki will officially become parents, and there’s no doubt their world will be forever changed. The excitement is building, and as Anthony put it so perfectly, “We cannot wait.” The Quinlans are ready to meet their baby boy — and the adventure of a lifetime is just about to begin.
