Suzanne Shaw and Darren Day Embrace Grandparenthood After Son's Joyous Arrival
In a heartwarming turn of events, former Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw and actor Darren Day have officially stepped into the role of grandparents. Their son, Corey, welcomed his first child, a baby boy named Colton, on Thursday, marking a new chapter for the family.
Social Media Announcements Flooded with Emotion
The 44-year-old Suzanne took to Instagram to share the delightful news, posting an array of sweet snaps that captured the newborn's first moments. She revealed that Corey's girlfriend, Erin, had given birth to their son, expressing her overwhelming joy in a poetic caption. "Something beautiful, something true, My baby boy Corey, became a father To a precious son, wrapped softly in blue," she wrote, adding, "Colton - Nanny loves you to infinity and back, you are perfect."
Darren, 57, also shared his excitement on the platform, humorously noting the age gap between himself and Suzanne. "Grandad loves you so much…and is actually old enough to be a Grandparent, unlike Nanny! @suzi_shaw," he penned, showcasing their united front despite past turbulence.
A Turbulent Past Now Buried
The couple's relationship has been a rollercoaster since they first met. They began an illicit fling in 2003 while co-starring in the touring theatre production of Summer Holiday, despite both being engaged to other people at the time. Their romance led to an 18-month engagement, but it ended abruptly just three months after Corey's birth in 2005.
Reports from that period indicated Darren walked out on Suzanne and their seven-week-old son on Mother's Day, allegedly uttering the phrase "I don't do family" as she battled postnatal depression. Reflecting on the split last year on Vanessa Feltz's Channel 5 show, Suzanne revealed, "He pretty much went out to get a curry and didn’t come back," acknowledging that her postnatal depression was "no surprise" given the circumstances.
Friends and Well-Wishers Celebrate the News
The comment section on Suzanne's post was flooded with love and congratulations from friends and fellow celebrities. Fellow Hear'Say member Kym Marsh wrote, "This is wonderful!!! Welcome to the grandparent club!!! You’re gonna love it," while Myleene Klass added, "Huge congrats x." Nat Anderson also chimed in, penning, "How beautiful!!! Huge congratulations to you all lovely."
Despite their rocky past, Suzanne and Darren have maintained a cordial relationship as co-parents to Corey over the years. Darren went on to marry Stephanie Dooley, though they divorced in 2019, nine years after she took him back following his philandering with ex Suzanne.
Recent Personal Challenges for Suzanne
This joyous news comes shortly after Suzanne opened up about her own personal struggles. Last month, she broke down in tears in an Instagram video, detailing her "messy and unexpected" breakup from fiancé Sam Greenfield. The couple got engaged in 2014 and welcomed their son Rafferty in 2015, but confirmed their split in January.
In the emotional video, Suzanne expressed gratitude for her sobriety, having quit alcohol six years ago, which she credits with giving her the tools to navigate the breakup. "I've not been perfect through this and it's been a little bit messy but I've certainly been able to tap into therapy, I've been able to tap into meditation, a little bit of running, understanding that I need to eat well," she shared, emphasizing her journey toward self-healing.
Prior to her engagement to Sam, Suzanne was married to Heart FM presenter Jason King from 2009 until their separation in 2012. Through it all, she has remained focused on her mental health and personal development, which she now brings into her new role as a grandmother.
As Suzanne and Darren celebrate this milestone, their story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of family bonds, even in the face of past challenges. The arrival of baby Colton has brought a wave of happiness, uniting them in joy and marking a fresh start for all involved.
