Samia Smith, the actress who plays Maria Connor in Coronation Street, gave birth to a 7lb 2oz baby girl yesterday. This will be the first child for the actress and her property developer husband Matthew, and they have named the little girl Freya. A nice and normal name.
Whilst this is Samia's first baby, it's not the first time she's dealt with a pregnancy and newborn. Her character Maria had a baby last year, so she'll have plenty of experience looking after a baby on set!
Samia's spokesperson has confirmed that mother and baby are well, and Samia is expected to be rejoining the cast of the soap in the new year.
Samia is not the only soap actress with a new arrival though
Whilst Samia plumped for a nice and normal name for her child, Charlotte Bellamy has opted for something a little more exotic for her third child. Charlotte, who plays Vicar's wife Laurel Thomas in Emmerdale, gave birth on Monday to a little girl weighing 7lbs 9oz. What has she named her new baby?
Teddie Boo Florence.
Teddie will be a little sister to her two big brothers, Sunnie and Herbie. Charlotte will be rejoining Emmerdale in the new year.