Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon was left feeling emotional when her daughter unexpectedly surprised her ahead of celebrating her 17th birthday.
The Eccles-born actress, who is famed for playing Maria Windass - nee Connor - in the ITV soap, which is filmed in Salford, was previously married to Matt Smith, a property developer, and the pair welcomed their daughter, Freya, in 2009.
It was on Monday (October 19) that Samia, who has since found love with her now-husband Sylvain Longchambon, following her appearance on ITV's Dancing on Ice, was seen celebrating 17 years since she welcomed her first child into the world.
Birthday tribute on Instagram
Sharing pictures of them together as a youngster as well as now, Samia said in her Instagram tribute: "Happy birthday to my favourite girl in the world @freya.smixth Thanks for making me your Mama.. 17 years of you being funny, feisty and fabulous! [heart emoji]. I love you always forever my baby lady #mygirl #birthdaygirl #loveyou."
The birthday wishes soon came flooding in. Corrie co-star Alan Halsall said: "Happy Birthday Freya. Love Al & Sienna," while Sally Dynevor shared: "Happy Birthday Freya." Former castmate Lucy-Jo Hudson commented: "How is she 17!!? Happy birthday Freya," while Angela Londsdale replied: "Wishing Freya the Happiest Happiest Birthday from mad auntie ange."
Emotional AI picture
The birthday tribute comes after Samia was left emotional on the eve of her daughter's special day. The soap star, who shares son, Yves, with ice skater Sylvain, shared a picture to Instagram which showed two young girls, and explained that Freya had created the image in AI which showed them together at the same age.
"Some photos just get you don’t they.. [face holding back tears emoji]," Samia started the caption. "Tomorrow my daughter Freya turns 17.. life seems to have gone at double speed since I became a mum and yet I feel like I can’t remember life before my kids [heart and stars emoji]."
She continued: "Freya made this pic of us both at the same age (using AI obviously I’m on the left fyi [laughing face emoji]) But it made me emotional thinking about how happy the ‘little me’ would’ve been to know that someday I’d become a mum to my two brilliant children and no matter what else I do in life, that will always be my priority and proudest achievement.. #myworld #mychildren #family."
Michelle Keegan was among those to comment on the post, with the former Corrie star writing: "Beautiful Sam. You look so alike [heart emoji]." Actress Sophie Austin also replied: "Beautiful [heart emojis]."
