Coronation Street fans were left heartbroken as Natasha Blakeman died earlier this week, after being shot.
Natasha, played by Rachel Leskovac, reappeared in 2020 with a big surprise for her ex Nick Tilsley in the form of son Sam.
While initially apprehensive about Sam getting to know Nick, Natasha allowed the two to bond after a rocky start, which saw Nick reject Sam as Leanne struggled over son Oliver's death - reports Mirror Online
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Opening up about her reason for returning to Corrie, Rachel, 45, had said at the time that she was "very excited and proud" be returning, especially to see "so many old friends [still] there".
She added: "It's always great to be able to return to a character to explore a whole new path for them."
Prior to her first stint in Corrie in 2008, Rachel got her first big break in British ITV drama Where the Heart Is as Bella Scott in 2002, going on to have brief appearances in Casualty, Doctors and TV show Outlaws.
She went on to star in hospital drama Holby City in 2003 until 2004 as Kelly Yorke and two years later in 60s medical drama The Royal as Marie Beatie.
Soon after her first Corrie exit in 2010, she like cobbles co-star Sally Carman, appeared on Shameless as Lara Heaton in 2012.
Rachel continued to enjoy a big career in TV, appearing in Happy Valley, WPC 56 and even rival soap Hollyoaks for two years.
Her longest starring role was as Cheryl in Last Tango in Halifax, which she appeared in from 2013 until 2020.
Outside her acting career, Rachel often proudly shares pictures of her 'mini me' teen daughter Macy and partner Steve Bell.
Sharing a photo of them smiling in the car, her co star Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, replied: "Wow she’s the double of you Rach.. both beauties xxx".
Rachel is also clearly close to her on-screen son, played by young actor Jude Riordan.
Earlier this year, she shared a photo of the pair grinning as they lay down on the benches outside the ITV studios and wrote: "Me and the main man @justjude7 just chillin - hard day at the office @coronationstreet #juderiordan #proud #corrie #screenson #hesthebest."
She went on to share a picture of the pair hugging last month and wrote: "Moods by me and @justjude7 #corrie #coronationstreet #motherandson #lovehim #proud #superstar."
Corrie fans were left in tears earlier this week after Natasha died in hospital after being shot by Harvey Gaskell in a case of mistaken identity.
Harvey opened fire thinking that Natasha was Leanne Battersby after they both wore the same Morticia Addams Halloween costume.
Natasha was rushed to hospital and told Sam how much she loved him as she prepared to go back to surgery to stop internal bleeding.
But the tragic news was broken to Sam later by a member of hospital staff that Natasha didn't make it.
*Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV
