Former Strictly Pro Gorka Marquez Reacts to News with ‘OMG BEST NEWS GUYS’ as MAFS UK’s Jay Howard Sends Congratulations to Ex-Emmerdale Actress

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez has reacted to the news that Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson has announced the birth of her baby with her soap star partner.

Marquez shared his excitement on social media, writing: ‘OMG BEST NEWS GUYS.’ The message was posted in response to the announcement, which was also acknowledged by Jay Howard from MAFS UK, who offered his congratulations to Sanderson.

The birth announcement marks a personal milestone for Sanderson, who has been a long-standing figure in British soap operas, best known for her role in Hollyoaks. Her partner, also a soap star, has not been named in the available reports, but the couple’s news has been met with warm reactions from colleagues across the entertainment industry.

Sanderson’s career in television spans decades, with her portrayal of Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks earning her widespread recognition and multiple award nominations. Her departure from the show in recent years was followed by appearances in other television projects, though she remains closely associated with the Hollyoaks brand and its loyal fanbase.

Marquez, meanwhile, continues to be involved in the Strictly Come Dancing franchise, having transitioned from a professional dancer to a judging role on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando con las Estrellas. Although he did not compete in the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, he remains affiliated with the BBC programme and has previously participated in group numbers and pre-recorded segments for the show.

The interaction between Marquez and Sanderson highlights the interconnected nature of the UK television entertainment community, where performers from different genres often share personal and professional milestones. While no collaborative projects between the two have been announced, their public exchange underscores the supportive relationships that exist among performers across various platforms.

As of the announcement date, no further details about the baby’s name, date of birth, or future plans have been disclosed by Sanderson or her partner. Both Marquez and Howard’s responses were limited to celebratory messages on social media, with no additional commentary provided.