Nikki Sanderson was spotted out for the first time on Tuesday, just weeks after announcing she is expecting her first child with partner Anthony Quinlan. 

The Hollyoaks star, 41, appeared in high spirits as she showcased her blossoming baby bump while attending the press night opening of Murder At Midnight at The Lowry theatre in Salford, accompanied by her mother. 

Nikki looked radiant in a stylish black turtleneck dress as she cradled her bump, posing for the cameras ahead of the play. 

The mother-to-be teamed the look with a pair of black leather quilted loafers and layered an oversized black coat over her shoulders. 

She completed her ensemble with a silver pendant necklace and styled her brunette locks in a voluminous blowout. 

Nikki's outing comes several weeks after she and her partner, Anthony, 41, revealed they are expecting their first child together. 

The actress announced the incredible news in a figure-hugging red dress, where she debuted her bump. 

Sharing a sweet video of a Christmas tree on Instagram, the pair zoomed in on a bauble which had an image of a baby scan. 

The caption simply read: 'Happy Christmas from the 3 of us', alongside a Christmas tree emoji.

They also wrote: 'Baby Quinlan due 2026' with a heart emoji after the former Emmerdale star felt her bump and the couple embraced in a kiss.

Speaking to The Mirror during a shoot about their pregnancy journey, former Corrie star Nikki, who quit her role as Hollyoaks' Maxine Minniver last April, said the couple are 'over the moon'. 

She said: 'We're happy to say it's going to be a lovely little spring baby.'

In the heartwarming clip, the pair are seen decorating their Christmas tree, then Anthony hands Nikki a gift box, where she pulls out the special bauble. 

Famous friends of the stars rushed to the comments to share their well-wishes to the soon-to-be parents.

Nikki's co-star Helen Flanagan wrote: 'So so happy for you both ❤️✨.'

Another former colleague, Samia Maxine Longchambon, added: 'SOOO happy for you guys! Cant wait to meet baby.'

Hollyoaks actress Mandip Gill commented: 'CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! so happy for you both ❤️.'

Meanwhile, Jacob Roberts said: 'Congratulations to you both ❤️.'

Ex On The Beach star Jess Impiazzi said: 'Congratulations guys wonderful news ❤️❤️'

Anthony, who previously starred in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale and now runs an online PT and supplements business, said he 'can't wait till we're a little team of three. I want to shout it from the rooftops!'

The loved-up pair have been dating since the start of 2022 after Anthony publicly announced their partnership in April, confessing he was 'really, really happy'.