Michael Greco has revealed that his baby son has finally left the intensive care unit and is 'fighting to live a normal life'.
The 50-year-old EastEnders actor, who became a dad for the first time on July 1, has taken to social media to inform fans about his son's progress after being born six weeks premature.
The actor's latest update came six days after Michael revealed that his baby had been born early and diagnosed with a rare defect called Gastroschisis.
In his latest hopeful message, Michael explained that he is getting stronger every day and his heart is bursting with so much love for the little one.
Alongside the post, Michael shared a sweet snap of baby Gianluca smiling at the camera.
"My boy. My beautiful boy is out of ICU and fighting to live a normal life," Michael told his followers today.
"He has become stronger and stronger, day by day, and has given himself an incredible chance of a normal life that every new born baby deserves.
The actor added: "He’s a true Greco and has made my heart completely full and bursting of love. Much, much more than I ever thought was possible. Daddy is still a “tad” emotional. I love you Gianluca."
Michael has been inundated with supportive messages from fans and friends who are wishing the family well.
Last week, the star confirmed that his partner Helen Harris had given birth to the couple's first child together.
The tiny tot, named Gianluca Greco, had to be delivered six weeks early after consultants picked up on his rare birth defect.
Gastroschisis is described as an abdominal wall defect, which means that the baby's intestines are developed outside of the body.
Gianluca has spent a week in Great Ormond's Street ICU after he underwent surgery to have his bowel put in place.
Michael has praised the hospital staff for taking incredible care of his little one and revealed that Helen and the baby had been in excellent hands.
The former actor - who played Beppe di Marco in the soap until 2002 - was thrilled to announce that he was expecting his first child earlier this year.
Revealing the joyful news to the Loose Women panel in April, the actor held up a pair of blue socks and revealed that he was a "traditionalist about colour."
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