Nikki Sanderson on why she's more confident in her skin now compared to her Corrie days
Fleetwood star Nikki Sanderson has opened up about her thoughts on health, beauty and aging in a new exclusive interview.
44-year-old Nikki Sanderson is an actress best known for playing Candice Stow on Coronation Street (1995-2005), Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat (2008-2009) and most recently Maxinne Minniver in Hollyoaks (2012-2025).
The former Tottington High pupil announced she was leaving Hollyoaks earlier this year after 13 years on the soap.
At the time, one of the main reason’s Nikki gave for her deperature was that her fortieth birthday the year before had prompted a desire for a change.
Now in a new interview with Closer Magazine, featuring a stunning photo of Nikki in a bikini, the Fleetwood born star has addressed her age again, this time sharing how it has helped her feel more confident.
Nikki said: “I’d never describe myself as sexy, but I’m a lot happier with my body than I used to be.
“I joined Corrie at 15 and grew up in the spotlight, where a lot of people had opinions. They were often not nice, and hurtful remarks can stick. Back then it was brutal – any tiny thing was picked apart, even a cold sore on your lip.’
“When you’re younger, you’re more insecure. Now I’ve reached my 40s, I’m comfortable in my own skin and have more self-belief. I don’t love everything about myself, but that’s natural. I’ve got lumps, cellulite, stretch mar ks and thread veins, but I’m proud of it all because they’re a part of me. In my twenties that’d really affect me, and now I don’t care about any of it – being older is a blessing!”
Nikki, who has dated actor turned fitness entrepreneur Anthony Quinlan for four years, also shared how keeping in shape has helped her with that confidence.
She told Closer: “Keeping fit was never really a priority in my twenties or thirties – now I’m training around three times a week, and I can’t get enough of walking.”
Her routine seems to be working as the star later admitted she gets away with people thinking she is younger than she is!
Nikki said: “It’s flattering when people say I don’t look my age. Who doesn’t want to look younger? People literally shout ‘Candice!’ in the street – it’s so lovely, still, that all these years later I’m still remembered as her.
“I was at the airport in May and ordered a glass of prosecco. A waitress came over and asked for my ID, I replied, “What?! I’m 41!” and she said, “I’m still going to need to get your ID, sorry.” I was like, “Don’t apologise – what a compliment!”’
You can read the full interview with Nikki here.