SOAP couple Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan have finally revealed their baby son’s name, and the sweet meaning behind it.
The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in April – just four months after they revealed they were expecting.
At the time, they revealed the news with a monochrome snap and simply dubbed him their ‘little man’.
But now, Hollyoaks actress Nikki and fellow soap star Anthony have revealed their baby boy is named Anthony James Quinlan.
Anthony Jr not only shares the same name as his dad, but Nikki told OK! Magazine that his middle name, James, is an ode to her brother.
“Two very special men,” she explained.
With two Anthonys at home, things are bound to get confusing, as new dad Anthony says the family are already working ways around it.
He told the publication: “Different members of our family and friends have all started calling him different things.
“A couple of people call him AJ, some Tony. I used to get called Toe, so he’s little Toe as well. I love the fact that he’s got my name.”
Nikki and Anthony first announced they were expecting a baby with a sweet post at Christmas time.
Sharing a video on Instagram, the caption read: “Merry Christmas from the 3 of us. Baby Quinlan due Spring 2026.”
In the clip, the couple were seen decorating their Christmas tree together, adding baubles, before opening a box and unveiling the most important decoration of all.
The tree ornament included a photo of the baby scan and read: “Baby Quinlan: Arriving 2026.”
Nikki and Anthony got together in 2022, going public with their romance in April of that year.
Last year, Nikki stepped away from her role of Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks, one she had held since 2012.
But before that, she began her soaps career on Coronation Street, where she played feisty hairdresser Candice Stowe.
Just like the mother of his child, Anthony is also a soap star and is known for playing Gilly Roache in Hollyoaks, and Pete Barton in Emmerdale.
