Former EastEnders Lucy Beale actress Melissa Suffield has revealed that her son thinks his dad is a “stranger” because of his job that requires him to work away for months at a time.
This comes after the family have spent five months apart due to Melissa's partner's demanding job.
Robert works as a cruise director and is often out at sea for months at a time, which means that son River sees his dad as a complete stranger when he comes home.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Melissa posted a cute snap of River, while writing a cute caption that read: “It’s a huge change to his world.
“He’s having to share his best mate, there’s a strange man in his bed, he’s had his whole existence flipped.
“Lots to handle for anyone, let alone a toddler born in a pandemic.”
She also posted two adorable snaps on her Instagram grid. The first snap being the most recent, and the second being shot five months ago before Robert went out to sea.
River looked noticeably bigger and older in the most recent snap.
Melissa penned: "And he’s home!
"Time for quality family time, all getting used to each other again (River might start looking less she’ll shocked soon)- and mid afternoon showers for mama (probably look to do something about those roots too now I don’t have to schedule it alongside childcare…)"
Fans were made up to see the family reunited again, with many flooding the comments with sweet words.
One said: "Yaaaay!!!! Finally some much needed family time. Can't wait to see the fun you guys have."
Another said: "They get big so quickly! Have lovely family time."
While a third penned: "So glad Robert home... yes you all deserve family time."
And a fourth said: "So happy for you all! Enjoy every minute."
Melissa rose to prominence when she portrayed the role of Lucy Beale in EastEnders between 2004 and 2010.
The star who joined the BBC One soap opera at the age of 11, is now 28 years of age.
Mum to River, partner to Robert, and a body positive inspiration to hundreds of women – Melissa has made a name for herself on Instagram.
The mum-of-one constantly promotes a positive body image, and was recently praised for embracing her body after she shared a candid snap of her post-baby belly.
In September she uploaded a nude snap of herself, which focused on her stomach.
She penned a meaningful caption that read: “This is my belly. It doesn’t look how It used to look. First it was quite a bit smaller and smoother, and then it grew my best mate."
“Isn’t that so f*****g cool? I bet your bellies are pretty f*****g cool too, whether they grew stuff or not,” Melissa continued.
“Aren’t bodies wicked? All so different and weird and wonderful- and very powerful. We’re all so ridiculously beautiful, aren’t we?” she concluded.
