Ali Bastian has announced that she is expecting her second child.
The Hollyoaks legend, 40, is already mum to two-year-old Isla Rose with husband David O'Mahoney.
Ali and David are expecting their second child in February and broke the news that Isla would be a big sister in the sweetest way possible.
In an adorable photoshoot with OK! magazine, which sees Isla wear a top which says "Big Sister", Ali shares how they told their daughter about the pregnancy.
“Isla came into our room one morning and we were having snuggles," Ali explained. "I said to David over her head, ‘I think we should tell her now’ and he agreed.
“I said, ‘Have you noticed that mummy’s tummy has been getting bigger?’ and she said ‘Yes!’ I said, ‘I’ve got a baby in my tummy.’ And then there was this big smile across her face.
“I wish we had captured that, it was magical, I’ll never forget it. She understood. I said, ‘You are going to be a big sister’ and her face lit up.
They welcomed their daughter back in March 2020, at the time admitting that she felt "incredibly lucky".
Having been born in lockdown, the couple were unable to introduce their child to any of their relatives for months until restrictions lifted.
At the time, she said: We haven't had any family come to meet Isla yet - and they can't wait to meet her.
"It's like we've been in our own bubble, but we've been FaceTiming our family every day."
While David added: "We would have loved to have our family and friends around to support us. But it's been a very bonding experience for us as a family of three."
Later on in the year, Ali opened up about her anxiety as a new mum.
Chatting to the Made By Mammas podcast, Strictly's Ali recalled her first time leaving the house in three months.
"To be honest it still feels difficult sometimes. Most of the time actually," Ali remarked.
"I remember the first time, I hadn't been to any shops or anything and I went to Boots.
"I was, oh god, I don’t know. I just felt...just really vulnerable I guess."
She added: "It was my little brother who was worried. I said to him, 'I genuinely can't imagine I'm ever going to let anyone hold Isla, or pass her to anybody.'
"He was like 'sound the alarm,' and said 'we have to do something about this'."
Ali went on: "He gave me that loving push in the right direction to see mum properly and let her hold her and have some help.
"I am really, really glad we did that. We were going down a difficult road."
Ali now seems to be enjoying life more than ever as a mum and recently shared photos of herself, David and Isla enjoying a day on the beach with her friend and daughter.
Posting a series of photos, including adorable pictures of her excited daughter being carried by David, she wrote: "We had the most magical day yesterday with my dear friend @carleystenson1 and little Skye. Isla went on the beach and dipped her toes in the sea for the first time and she loved it!! Magic!!
"Carley thank you for the most beautiful day and for all the care you took with Isla’s allergies. You are a black belt friend! You made us feel so safe and so very, very welcome.
"When a friend ‘gets it’ like you do it makes such a huge difference and means Isla can play freely and I can breathe a little easier knowing that another adult also has eyes in the back of their head! I hope this is the beginning of many adventures to come!! Love you loads."
