Scots actor Callum Kerr and his wife Lauren Stacy have announced they are expecting a baby boy, just over a year after the tragic deaths of his mother and stepfather in France.
Happy News After Tragedy
The 32-year-old, best known for playing PC George Kiss on Hollyoaks, shared the news on social media on Monday. The couple posted two photographs showing them dressed in matching blue outfits, with Lauren proudly displaying her baby bump. Their daughter Isla, born in 2023, will soon have a little brother.
Callum and Lauren tied the knot in a breathtaking Scottish ceremony at a Highland castle in January, less than 11 months after the tragic discovery of his mother and stepfather at their French home.
The Tragic Incident
Dawn and Andrew Searle, aged 56 and 62, were found dead in southwest France on Thursday, February 7 last year. French authorities concluded it was a murder-suicide. Post-mortem examinations confirmed Mr Searle died from hanging, while Mrs Searle suffered multiple blows to the head with a blunt and sharp-edged object.
The East Lothian couple had moved to the hamlet of Les Pesquies, Toulouse, a decade ago. Neighbours described them as lovely, normal people. They married in France in 2023, with Callum giving Dawn away.
Callum's Career and Family
Callum joined Hollyoaks in 2020 before leaving in 2021. He proposed to Lauren in 2024 after their daughter was born in December 2023. On their wedding day, he wore a traditional kilt while Lauren wore a strappy wedding dress.
After his soap role, Callum appeared in Netflix's Virgin River and has since pursued a country singing career in Nashville.
Family Statement
Following the deaths, Callum and his sister Amanda released a statement urging loved ones not to attend Andrew's funeral. They said: 'In the absence of any evidence suggesting third-party involvement, the prevailing hypothesis remains that of a murder-suicide. Our mother was killed by multiple blows to the head, and Andrew was found deceased by hanging. His injuries are consistent with self-hanging, and no defensive wounds were found. There is no evidence of any third party involvement. We must respectfully request that our mother not be included in Andrew's funeral arrangements. Please do not attend Andrew's service if you were a friend of our mother. We ask for understanding, privacy and respect as we continue to grieve and seek justice for our mum.'
