AN UNEXPECTED EMOTIONAL REUNION SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH THE SOAP WORLD AS ICONIC STARS GATHER BEHIND CLOSED DOORS FOR A MASSIVE CELEBRATION

The pair, who played Maxine Minniver and Gilly Roach on the Channel 4 soap, welcomed a baby boy to the world last month, after being in a relationship for the past four years.

Nikki Sanderson and Anthony Quinlan give candid insight into ...

Taking to Instagram, Sanderson, who also played Candice Stowe on Corrie, shared several photos from the baby shower, which took place before the birth and was attended by several former co-stars.

From Corrie, there was Samia Longchambon and Jane Danson, who play Maria Connor and Leanne Battersby, respectively. Meanwhile, Anna Passey and Stephanie Waring, who portray Sienna Blake and Cindy Cunningham, were from the Hollyoaks side of things.

“Before our little man arrived there was a baby shower… my baby shower… and it was EPIC,” Sanderson captioned the post. “Being surrounded by all my loved ones celebrating our son and his upcoming birth was a dream.

“I am so lucky and grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. He… and I.. were spoilt rotten,” continued the actor, who departed Hollyoaks last year after over a decade in the role.

“Having you pop in to see us all made my day… then you go and make me cry (happy tears) by gifting me the most beautiful bag. I’m one lucky lady and I love you,” she concluded, including a photo of the happy couple in the post.

The comment section was filled with many supportive and congratulatory messages from followers, with both Longchambon and Danson describing the event as “gorgeous”. Waring, meanwhile, said the day was “lovely”.

Former Corrie and Hollyoaks star Lucy-Jo Hudson called the day “gorgeous”, while one follower commented: “Stunning! You both look amazing, ADORABLE! lots of love to you both x”

She subsequently thanked several people for attending and organising the event before she paid tribute to Quinlan, writing: “Thank you to my amazing partner, baby daddy, best friend @anthonyquinny for spoiling me.”