Coronation Street's Samia Longchambon has issued a life-saving warning to her Instagram followers
The soap star is renowned for her role as Maria Windass on Coronation Street. She joined the cast of the ITV soap in 2000 and has been a mainstay on the show ever since.
Samia regularly shares updates from her happy family life away from the Cobbles on Instagram. However, she has taken to the social media platform to share an important reminder to her 420,000 followers.
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The mum-of-two recently had a smear test. The results came back negative and she urged her followers to book their check-up. She said: "Had mine last week, took a couple of mins, did not hurt at all and got result back today, all normal. Job done.
"Don't fear the smear. Getting it done might just save your life." A smear test checks the health of the screen and the NHS describe it as a "test to help prevent cancer".
NHS guidance says all "women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter" to book a check up. It adds: "During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
"The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called "high risk" types of HPV. If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
"If these types of HPV are found, the sample is then checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter."
The NHS urges people to not put off a cervical screening. It adds: "It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer."
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