Hollyoaks actress Kirsty-Leigh Porter has revealed the devastating news that she's suffered a stillbirth. The 30-year-old, who has played Leela Lomax in the soap since 2013, was expecting a daughter with her partner Paul Barber, but tragically announced that she was born sleeping in December.
Taking to Instagram, Kirsty-Leigh shared a heartbreaking photo with the caption, '💔 Our beautiful baby girl, Penny-Leigh Barber was born sleeping on the 21st of December 2018 at 6.49am, 29 weeks & 3 days young.
'My heart has never felt pain like it. Sleep sweetly our angel. We will always love you. Love your Mummy & Daddy 💔 My Everything 💔.'
Fans rushed to comfort Kirsty after the devastating news, with many leaving comments of support under the photo. One wrote, 'I'm so sorry to hear this. 💕 I can't imagine the pain. Sending you so much love', as another added, 'This is incredibly sad, I am thinking of you and your family.'
Some of her fellow Hollyoaks stars sent their own condolences under the message, with Anna Passey (AKA Sienna Blake) writing four heart emojis, and Chelsee Healey (AKA Goldie McQueen), who is a mum herself, writing, 'Oh Kirst thinking of you all! Sleep well princess.'
Kirsty announced that she was expected her first baby with Paul in November in an interview with OK! magazine, and spoke about her relationship, saying, "Something just clicks. If you’re in a relationship and it’s not working then you find yourself having to try."
The actress, who previously dated Emmerdale's Danny Miller for five years, added, "With him, it’s just not like that. We make an effort but it’s not hard work – it’s just so natural and effortless. I think that’s when you know it’s love, because every day you wake up and you’re happy."
Our thoughts are with Kirsty and her family at this time. ❤️