Street celebrates two new babies

Actress Wanda Opalinska, who plays Coronation Street factory worker Wiki, has given birth to a baby son, Rafal.

It marks a double celebration for the show after actor Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt, became a father for the first time in the same 24 hours.

Poignantly, the news came just a day after co-star Kym Marsh announced the death of her son, Archie, who was born 18 weeks premature.

Marsh said: "We will miss him so much. Thank you all for your support."

The 32-year-old actress, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor in the ITV1 soap, had not been seen on the show for several weeks.

Coronation Street actress Alison King, who plays businesswoman Carla Gordon, also gave birth this week, to a baby girl.

King, 35, is in a relationship with sound technician Adam Huckett, who works on the show

Both Opalinska's son Rafal, who weighed 7lb 5oz, and Shepherd's as yet unnamed baby daughter, are said to be doing well.

A spokeswoman for the show said: "Everyone at Coronation Street wishes them all well."