'Strictly' star becomes a dad again

Ashley Taylor Dawson has become a father for the second time.

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star - who also plays Darren Osborne in 'Hollyoaks' - and his girlfriend Karen McKay welcomed newborn son Mason into the world this morning.

The 31-year-old actor - who already has two-year-old son Buddy with Ashley - took to his Twitter account to announce the happy news and dubbed his wife a "hero" for her efforts in labour.

He tweeted: "My hero @karenmckay1 gave birth to our 2nd little dream Mason Mac Taylor Dawson this morning!! Thx for all the support. We are thrilled XXX (sic)"

Ecstatic Ashley also gave a "shout out" to all the mothers in the world insisting he has nothing but respect for them.

In another Twitter post, he added: "Massive shout out to all the mummy's in the world! You really are just unbelievable! XXX #officiallyhumbled (sic)"

Ashley has been waiting for the arrival of his baby after his wife went past her due date last week.

He is due to resume training with his ballroom dance partner Ola Jordan on Wednesday (02.10.13).