Kym Marsh celebrated a special festive surprise after her daughter Emilie welcomed a baby boy on Christmas Day, making the 49-year-old a grandmother for the fourth time.
The new arrival, named Bobby Saint Mykola Hoszowskyj, was born on 25 December to Emilie and her husband, Michael Hoszowskyj.
Ms Marsh shared the joyful announcement with her Instagram followers, describing the newborn as "the most wonderful Christmas gift".
The former Hear'Say singer expressed immense pride in her 28-year-old daughter, calling her "a warrior" following the birth.
Kym Marsh has just become a grandmother for the fourth time
| PAEmilie had first revealed her pregnancy back in June, with the family eagerly anticipating the new addition throughout the festive season.
The birth itself proved remarkably swift, with Emilie arriving at hospital at 10.25am and delivering Bobby just ten minutes later at 10.35am.
Ms Marsh revealed these details when responding to well-wishers in the comments section of her Instagram post, noting that her daughter experienced "a very quick birth".
The baby weighed 7lb 6oz upon arrival.
Kym Marsh with British pop group Hear'Say, circa 2001
|GETTY
In her heartfelt social media announcement, the actress also paid tribute to her son-in-law, whom she affectionately called Mikey, praising him for "being her rock today" throughout the labour.
"So so proud of my girl Emilie, she is a warrior!!" Marsh wrote, adding: "We are all in love!! Merry Christmas everyone."
The post drew a wave of congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities, including Ms Marsh’s 2022 Strictly Come Dancing partner Graziano Di Prima, who commented "awww" alongside three love-heart emojis.
Ms Marsh’s mother also joined in the celebrations, writing: "Congratulations Emily and Mikey on the safe arrival of little Bobby, so very proud of you. Another beautiful great-grandson for me."
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Fans were equally delighted, with one posting: "Oh brilliant! Send my congratulations to Emily and Mikey." Another added: “Absolutely beautiful. He is the most amazing gift for Christmas."
Ms Marsh's Instagram carousel featured touching images of the newborn being cradled by his older siblings, with six-year-old Teddy and nine-year-old Polly pictured holding Bobby while dressed in festive Santa-style outfits in front of a fireplace.
Additional photographs showed the newborn wearing a cream-coloured hat and white gloves, while another captured Emilie bonding with her son on the sofa.
The family's joy was evident throughout the celebratory post, with Ms Marsh declaring the entire family had fallen in love with the newest member.
Bobby joins an expanding family, with Ms Marsh already serving as grandmother to Teddy, Emilie's six-year-old son, and step-granddaughter Polly, nine, who is Michael's daughter from a previous relationship.
The actress also has a grandson named Clayton, born in 2022 to her son David and his fiancée Courtney.
Ms Marsh goes by the affectionate nickname "Yaya" with her grandchildren.
Emilie herself has connections to the entertainment industry, having performed alongside her mother in the UK tour of Greatest Days: The Musical, a jukebox production featuring Take That songs.
Kym Marsh shared the sweet family snaps to Instagram
In that production, Emilie portrayed a younger version of the character played by her mother, demonstrating the family's shared theatrical talents.
The pregnancy announcement had come in June, with Emilie revealing she was expecting her third child.
Ms Marsh departed Coronation Street in 2019 after portraying Michelle Connor for 13 years on the ITV soap.
Since leaving the cobbles, she has taken on diverse acting projects, including the role of Nicky Walters in BBC school drama Waterloo Road.
Her most recent television appearance was in Channel 5 thriller The Imposter, filmed in Melbourne alongside Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne and singer Dannii Minogue.
The actress has also maintained a busy stage career, performing in productions including Fatal Attraction, 101 Dalmatians and Abigail's Party.
Looking ahead to 2025, Marsh will embark on a UK tour in a stage adaptation of Single White Female, co-starring with EastEnders actress and television chef Lisa Faulkner.
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