Former EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas has been showered with love from his old co-stars after announcing that he and his wife Karina Hind are expecting their first child, due in 2027.
The actor, best known to soap fans as Anthony Moon, shared the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday, August 25, revealing that becoming parents is something the couple have hoped for for a long time. In a sweet video, Karina is seen gently stroking her husband’s arm before the camera moves down to reveal Matt wearing a pair of tiny white newborn socks on his fingers. Karina then proudly holds up black-and-white scan pictures of their unborn baby.
‘Our greatest role yet’
Alongside the clip, Matt wrote: ‘Our greatest role yet… coming 2027.’ He continued: ‘After a long time hoping, dreaming and wishing for this moment, our little miracle is finally on the way. Our hearts are completely full, and we feel incredibly blessed to be stepping into our new roles as Mum & Dad.’
The couple added that while life together had already been ‘an adventure’, becoming parents was the next chapter they had dreamed about more than anything. ‘We can’t wait to meet you, little one,’ the post continued. ‘The Lapinskas family is growing by one.’
Co-stars and fans react
The announcement was quickly flooded with messages from friends, fans and familiar faces from Matt’s soap days. Tony Discipline, who played Matt’s on-screen EastEnders brother Tyler Moon, commented: ‘Amazing news,’ alongside a heart. Former X Factor star and Matt’s pal Amelia Lily wrote: ‘Congratulations guys! So so happy for you both.’
Fans also shared their excitement, with one writing: ‘Oh my god! Congratulations to you both! So happy for you. You deserve it.’ Another added: ‘Congratulations guys great news,’ while others predicted that Matt and Karina would make wonderful parents.
From Walford to fatherhood
The news marks another major milestone for the couple, who became engaged in 2024. Matt proposed during a romantic trip to Dubai, taking Karina for an evening walk on the beach with the city’s skyline as a backdrop. He first presented her with a letter before getting down on one knee. Karina, a stage actress who has performed in Matilda the Musical, was visibly stunned and covered her face with her hands before accepting. The pair married at Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire in 2025.
Soap fans will remember Matt from his time in Walford as Anthony Moon between 2011 and 2012, appearing in more than 100 episodes alongside Tony as his brother Tyler. After leaving Albert Square, Matt competed on Dancing on Ice in 2013 with professional skater Brianne Delcourt, finishing runners-up to Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle and Daniel Whiston. He has since continued acting, including a guest appearance in Hollyoaks and stage work.
Matt and Karina now have their most exciting chapter yet on the way, and judging by the reaction to their announcement, there are already plenty of people eagerly awaiting the newest member of the Lapinskas family.
