Hollyoaks’ Nikki Sanderson turns heads in a fluorescent yellow skirt and fringed leather jacket

She plays the unlucky in love Hollyoaks’ character Maxine Minniver.  

But Nikki Sanderson’s real love life appeared to be going far better than her onscreen counterpart as she stepped out with beau Greg Whitehurst for a date night at BLVD in Manchester on Friday. 

Walking hand in hand with boyfriend of five years, the TV beauty, 35, was in good spirits as she giggled away wearing a fluorescent yellow bandage skirt, black polo neck and a fringed leather jacket.

The star paired the look with gold hoops and black strappy heels as they enjoyed a drink at the restaurant and bar. 

Company director Greg kept it casual in a pair of black jeans with a khaki overshirt, an army green T-shirt and white trainers.

Greg and Nikki put on a loved-up display outside of the venue before continuing their date inside.

The pair started dating in 2015, just six months after Nikki attended his wedding to his wife as a guest – the couple said they got together after the marriage fell apart. 

Speaking in a statement five months after his split Nikki wrote: ‘I have known Greg and his family for many years. Greg’s marriage ended in January, it was a very difficult time for him during which all of his friends and family supported him.

‘We have started recently dating and its early days, so we are not rushing into anything but are both enjoying each other’s company.’

She previously revealed it won’t be long before she hears the pitter-patter of tiny feet, in an interview with the Sunday People last year. 

The actress said: ‘Babies are definitely in my future. I’m maternal and everybody who knows me knows just how much I love children.

‘Right now I’m really busy with Hollyoaks, but Greg had a new nephew the other day and we’ve got a couple of other nieces and nephews. They’re all amazing.’

Nikki previously admitted she was subjected to bullying over her role as Candice Stowe in Coronation Street, which she played from 1999 to 2005.

She told The Mirror: ‘It was before social media so I used to get it in the street instead. It was when I first started at Corrie. It was all different types of things.

‘I had my hair set on fire, I’ve been punched, kicked, pushed over, had drinks thrown over me, and been called every name under the sun.’

The actress praised her co-workers on Coronation Street for their support during that period.

She said: ‘I have to say that everyone at Coronation Street and all the people around me were just so wonderful and supportive, which I’m truly grateful for.’