Samia Longchambon’s life away from Corrie with ice skater husband and children

Samia Longchambon is a familiar face for soap lovers after playing Maria Connor on iconic soap Coronation Street for decades.

The 39-year-old actress beat Kimberley Walsh to the role back in 2000 and has been central to many plot lines.

But what is Samia's life like away from the cobbles?

Samia met her husband, French professional ice skater Sylvain Longchambon, when she was partnered with him in the 2013 series of Dancing on Ice.

When they met, Samia was dating actor Will Thorp and Sylvain was with Hollyoaks' star Jennifer Metcalfe, but they left their respective relationships to be together.

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The couple are now clearly very happy together as Samia told Loose Women: "I believe in angels and I always think my dad sent Sylvain to me."

Sylvain has also appeared on the show in recent years, paired with Stephanie Waring in 2018 and Jane Danson in 2019.

The pair have a son together, six-year-old Yves, and Samia also has a daughter, 12-year-old Freya, from her previous marriage to property developer Matt Smith.

Samia and Sylvain got married in August 2016, almost a year after their son was born.

Samia has said her husband is "a fantastic dad".

Speaking on Lorraine she said: "It's teamwork. He's a fantastic dad.

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"Luckily, I don't have to leave them [the kids] overnight, with Corrie I get to go home at night, Sylvain's brilliant, he's my rock."

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