Coronation Street’s Shayne Ward and girlfriend Sophie Austin welcome baby daughter together and reveal adorable name
The former X Factor winner and Coronation Street star revealed his happy news on Twitter today
SHAYNE Ward and his girlfriend Sophie Austin have welcomed a baby daughter together.
The Coronation Street actor, 32, who shot to fame on the X Factor, announced the happy news on Twitter - revealing Hollyoaks actress Sophie, 32, had given birth.
The pair revealed they have named their newborn Willow May Ward, and are "completely besotted" with her.
Taking to Twitter, Shayne wrote: ";Proud to share our incredible news. Me and Sophie had a beautiful baby girl.
"We are completely besotted and in love with the deepest of hearts.
"Our world. Willow May Ward."
Sophie retweeted the post, no doubt spending time away from social media as she recovers and bonds with her tiny tot.
Fans were quick to send their congratulations, led by Corrie co-star Catherine Tyldesley who wrote: "wahoooo!!!!!! Congrats guys!!!! SO thrilled for you!!! Lots of love xxxxx."
And she added: "I don't know what I'm more excited about- my gig or dressing Willow up in festive baby wear."
A source said at the time: “Sophie and Shayne have been keeping the exciting news to themselves to enjoy the moment in private."
Shayne – who bagged Best Newcomer for his role as Aidan at the National Television Awards in January – split from his decade-long girlfriend Faye McKeever in 2014, ending their year-long engagement.
Meanwhile Sophie recently split from Scottish actor Graeme after six years together.
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The pair ended their relationship after nine months of marriage – and love quickly struck for Sophie and Shayne.
The actress, who quit her role as Lindsey Butterfield in the soap in March, released a statement after the break-up and said: “Very sadly, my husband and I separated a little while ago.
“The breakdown of any long-term relationship is always difficult and this is no exception.”
Shayne and Sophie initially kept their romance low key, and were only pictured together for the first time at the leaving do for Shayne's Coronation Street co-star Paula Lane, who played Kylie Platt, in Manchester on June 18.
Meanwhile, Shayne recently received the National Television Award for Best Newcomer of 2016, and has celebrated by posing up with his gong on Twitter.
He wrote previously: "From the bottom of my [heart] THANK YOU so much for believing in me and voting me NTA Best Newcomer 2016. I love u all X."
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