‘Happiness is with you’: Besotted real-life soap couple Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan cosy up

Could Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan get any more loved up?

The real-life soap couple were first confirmed to be dating back in January 2022, although they got together much earlier than that. 

Anthony, who starred in Emmerdale as Pete Barton and Hollyoaks as Gilly Roach, previously said of Nikki, 

‘I’ve always fancied her. She’s mega hot, right? We’ve known each other for years. There were rumours we met at the gym, which we had a bit of a laugh about. 

‘I slid into the DMs and that was it. I was lucky enough to get a date and the rest is history.’

Nikki has starred in Hollyoaks since 2012 as Maxine Minniver, and prior to that had a six year stint in Coronation Street playing Candice Stowe.

The Blackpool-born actress has previously said that the couple are ‘quite private,’ but it’s clear for all to see that they’re very much loved-up.

Recently Nikki posted a cute picture on her Instagram of the two of them sharing a kiss. They’re in the middle of a crowd in what could be a Christmas market, but they have eyes only for each other. Dressed up snuggly in warm coats and with Nikki in a woolly hat, it’s a cosy scene. 

And the captions are even more cosy.

‘Happiness is…… with you ❤️’ Nikki wrote, with Anthony replying, ‘❤️😘 always! Love you baby! 😘❤️’

The winter scene contrasts with pictures that Nikki posted in July when the couple jetted away for a break in Majorca.

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The Mediterranean was seeing record temperatures at the time of the visit and Anthony described it as ‘Absolutely boiling,’ but it didn’t stop them enjoying long walks, romantic dinners and even a bit of supermarket shopping. 

More: Trending

More recently the couple were seen at the Scarefest Halloween event at Alton Towers theme park, entering into the spirit of the occasion by going trick or treating. 

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Anthony and Nikki spoke to Metro.co.uk when they attended the CUREUsher Ball, where they were supporting Anthony’s Emmerdale co-stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon. CUREUsher is a charity that supports funding and research for Usher Syndrome, and Laura and Mark’s two children have this condition.

Asked about what might be coming up for her character Maxine in Hollyoaks, Nikki could only say ‘Watch this space,’ as she wasn’t able to reveal any details about upcoming storylines.

Viewers have seen Maxine at the centre of Eric Foster (Angus Castle-Doughty)’s dramatic crossbow revenge story. She was also central to a hard-hitting storyline about women’s safety and has been seen dealing with the aftermath of being assaulted after a night out. 

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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