Samia Smith expecting

'Coronation Street' actress Samia Smith announced today she is pregnant.

Smith, who plays Maria Connor in the soap, is 13 weeks pregnant by her husband Matt, with her baby due in October.

Her character is also pregnant on screen, with the Weatherfield hairdresser, who lost a baby last year in a plot-line in the show, due to give birth in July.

The 26-year-old said: “I have been pregnant on screen for the best part of the past two years and as soon as I get rid of the fake baby bump, I will have a real one.”

The good news follows a difficult few months – her father Joseph died last week after a long battle with cancer.

She said: “I am so pleased that we were able to tell my dad about the baby before he died.”

Smith’s baby will be the 10th to be born in the past 18 months to Corrie cast members.

Julia Haworth, Andy Whyment, Ryan Thomas, Jack P Shepherd, Wanda Oaplinska, Alison King and Jane Danson have all become parents. Simon Gregson and Graeme Hawley are looking forward to the births of their babies later this year.

But there have also been tough times for the cast recently.

In February, Sara Roache, the wife of William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack. Days later, Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, and partner 'Hollyoaks' actor Jamie Lomas announced the loss of her premature baby.