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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Hollyoaks star Jessica Fox gives birth to 'miracle' first baby and reveals unique name with first pictures

Hollyoaks star Jessica Fox has announced the safe arrival of her first 'miracle' baby alongside a string of candid snaps. The Channel 4 soap actress revealed back in October that she was pregnant with her and her husband Nicholas Willes' first child after going through two devastating miscarriages in 2021.

Jessica, 39, who has played Nancy Hayton in the Chester-based soap since 2005, bravely shared about their losses as she shared about their 'miracle' baby. In a series of Instagram snap, the then mum-to-be snuggled up to musician Nicholas as they held their precious baby scans and sported 'mum' and 'dad' caps as Jessica spoke of their difficult journey.

She told fans: "This week has been baby loss awareness week. So it seemed a good (and bad) time to share our story at the end of such an important and heartbreaking campaign and to show our support to all those who have been or are going through a similar journey.

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"Trigger warning: Trying to conceive and conceiving after loss. Please make use of the mute or unfollow button if any of this is too much for you. Out of difficulties, grow miracles. Due spring 2023."

And on Tuesday morning (March 14), Jessica announced that she and Nicholas had welcomed a baby boy into the world last week, on March 7 and shared their first photos together as a family, admitting that their bundle of joy has changed their lives "forever".

The soap star posted one snap of the trio shortly after the birth as well as another of their son's tiny foot and his hospital bracelet, and one of Nicholas carrying their precious first-born in his car seat as they left the hospital.

Confirming his arrival, and his unique name, Jessica typed: "Baby River, you have changed our world forever and we are so grateful we get to love you." Her Hollyoaks co-stars, past and present, were quickly flooding the post with sweet congratulatory messages for the couple and new parents.

Nikki Sanderson said: "Hi River I can’t wait to meet you. Congratulations!!! So happy for you all." Lucy-Jo Hudson wrote: "Ahhhhhh Jess….. yes….. finally….. you get to hold your beautiful baby in your arms!!!! I’m so bloody happy for you! Love the name." Nadine Mulkerrin replied: "Welcome to the world River."

Amy Conachan commented: "Wow Jess. Congratulations, what a wee angel." Sophie Porley posted: "Congrats to you both" Former Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon, who recently became a first time mum, also added: "Congratulations just gorgeous xxx."

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