Coronation Street star announces birth of first child and reveals their gender and gorgeous name

Coronation Street star Rebecca Ryan received a raft of messages from her co-stars as she announced the arrival of her first child. Rebecca, who played bunny boiler Lydia Chambers in thrilling scenes in the ITV soap, shared an adorable picture as she revealed on Tuesday (May 2) that she had welcomed a baby girl, named Aurora.

The 31-year-old announced in December that she was expecting a baby with her husband Dan Acraman. "Welcome to the world my beautiful baby girl Aurora," she wrote next to a photo of her tiny bundle of joy lying on snuggly blankets.

Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina Lucas in Corrie, told her: "Massive congratulations." And Julia Goulding, who plays Shona Platt, messaged: "Huge Congratulations, she’s beautiful."

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Harriet Bibby, who plays Summer Spellman, wrote: "Congratulations Rebecca! She is absolutely beautiful!!" Elle Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow, gasped: "Omg. the cutest. so so happy for you." And her brother Jack James Ryan, who played Jacob Hay in the soap, said: "My new best mate."

Mandyskinner21 commented: "Aww she's gorgeous what a lovely name aswell." And bkdayzz exclaimed: "Omgosh little doll!!! Beautiful!! Congrats xxx"

On Friday April 21 Rebecca, who shot to fame playing Debbie Gallagher in the gritty Manchester drama Shameless, shared stunning photos of her growing bump as she waited for her daughter's arrival into the world.

She typed lovingly: "Three weeks till we meet you little one. I am so in love with you already! Hurry up baby, I can't wait to see your little face and spend the rest of my life protecting and loving you with all my heart."

Rebecca also played pupil Vicki MacDonald in the BBC One school drama