A former Coronation Street star has been flooded with congratulatory messages as she revealed she’s expecting her first child.

Actress Kate Spencer announced the news on social media by sharing a photograph of herself and her husband Paul Walker, who was planting a kiss on her head as she held the ultrasound scan image up to the camera.

Kate, who married the pro boxer in 2022, said she was feeling ‘grateful and blessed’ as they prepare to welcome the bundle of joy in spring next year.

The actress, debuted on the famous cobbles in 2019 as Grace Vickers, a former love interest to Michael Bailey, before leaving in early 2022, said: “Hugely grateful, blessed and unbelievably excited to be welcoming the next generation of the Walkers into our family in March 2026.”

And the messages soon came flooding in. Actor Robert Beck shared: “Congratulations! So happy for you both!” @jussikurtti said: “Amazing! Massive congratulations to the whole family.”

@keskinen_jarno commented: “Huge congratulations to you both, so happy for you!” @kez.ibbotson worte: “Huge congratulations to you both.” @_ellwell replied: “Congratulations!! Amazing news!” @fayelet added: “Congratulations! Lovely news. So pleased for you.”

Corrie fans will recall that when Grace arrived on the cobbles, she tricked Michael, played by Ryan Russell, by passing off a friend’s baby as their daughter.

Grace’s deception soon unravelled but the character later gave birth to her and Michael’s actual daughter, Glory, in 2021, who Michael now has custody of.

Following her exit, Kate took to Instagram with a string of snaps from her time on the cobbles with the fictional Bailey clan and said: “Grace Vickers: Babies, blackmail, fraud, prison, labour and a lot of storming out and slamming doors. A hell of a lot of bad choices. But a hell of a lot of fun to play.

“Thanks @coronationstreet, 10 year old me would never have believed it. It’s been a privilege to be a small part of your story.”