Soap stars Amy Walsh and Toby Alexander-Smith have announced they are expecting their first child.
Amy is best known for her portrayal as Tracey Metcalfe in Emmerdale - and she was concerned she would never become a mum after she was diagnosed with Polysitic Ovaries when she was 20 - as Mirror Online reports.
And the 34-year-old has spoken to OK! magazine about how blessed she feels as she prepares for life as a parent.
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She said: "It feels as though the way everything happened was meant to be.
"I thought I might struggle with fertility, so for pregnancy to happen quite easily and when I wanted – I was gobsmacked. We feel incredibly lucky.
"I always thought falling pregnant was going to be a battle. Toby knew how worried I was, especially as I’m a bit older.
"I did wonder if it would ever happen for me, so it feels like a blessing."
The Emmerdale star is the sister of Girls Aloud singer Kimberly Walsh.
Toby is best known for his role as the villainous Gray Atkins in the BBC One show - and the two soap stars have been dating ever since they met in the audience at Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.
The pair revealed they began trying for a baby and were delighted to find out Amy was pregnant after just two months.
Toby said: "There’s never a perfect time. You could always think, 'We could do with a bigger house or investing more time in our careers,' but if you’ve met the right person then that’s it."
Amy added: "It’s always something I hoped and prayed would happen at some point.
"I’ve enjoyed being an auntie, but after meeting Toby I felt like I really wanted a child myself."
Toby and Amy's baby is due at Christmas time and both actors can't wait to start the next chapter in their lives.
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