Emmerdale's Anthony Quinlan and Hollyoaks’ Nikki Sanderson have been spotted together for the first time since confirming their romantic relationship.
The new couple looked smitten as they were pictured strolling hand in hand as they enjoyed a day out in Northern Quarter, Manchester.
Anthony Quinlan, 37, who played Pete Barton in Emmerdale between 2013 and 2020, confirmed rumours of a romance with Nikki Sanderson last month. The actor told The Sun: “I've always fancied her. She's mega hot, right?”
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The pair were friends before their relationship took the next step. The acting star admitted he ‘slid into the DMs’ of Nikki who plays Maxine Minniver.
“We've known each other for years,” said Anthony. “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.”
Anthony, who previously played Gilly Roach in Hollyoaks, has spoken of how much he cares for Nikki. As soap fans will probably remember, Nikki previously appeared in Coronation Street.
Anthony said: “All I can say is I'm really, really happy and she's a very special girl. She's lovely. I'm happy that it is what it is and we haven't got everyone prying."
Nikki gave a further insight into their relationship recently when she posted a sweet tribute to Anthony on his birthday to her Instagram.
She shared a snap of the two of them alongside the caption: "The happiest of happy birthdays to the man who makes me smile the most.
"‘I hope your day is as amazing as you are,’ she shared, adding a string of hashtags – including #boyfriend. Anthony replied in the comments, simply writing: "Thank you baby."
Anthony appeared in 716 episodes as Pete Barton. Elsewhere in his career, he’s had roles in Doctors and Gridiron UK.
You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap. There you'll also find our Emmerdale features and news about the show's 50th anniversary plans.
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