Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has been shown support from her co-stars and thousands of social media followers after she took to Instagram to share a 'punch in the gut' moment she suffered.
The actress, who plays Maria Windass in the ITV soap, opened up about grief after sharing how she went to phone her dad, Joseph, despite him having died more than 13 years ago. Samia shared a photo of her and her dad which had been lovingly placed into a photo frame.
"A funny thing just happened.. I just thought I’m going to give my dad a call. He passed away over 13 years ago but every now and then for a split second I forget," the 40-year-old soap star emotionally shared alongside the image. "And then it’s like a punch in the gut all over again to know that I’ll never be able to speak to him."
She went on to say: "I still have his number in my phone," before adding: "Grief is weird isn’t it. Just thought I’d share it in case it happens to any of you who have lost loved ones.. sending love to you." Samia ended her post by sharing how she was going to combat her prang of grief, writing: "I’m gonna listen to some classics from the drifters now (his favourite band) and remember some fun times."
Corrie co-star Sally Carman, who plays Abi Webster, said: "Oh Sam, sending you so much love." Toyah Habeeb star Georgia Taylor replied: "Huge love to you, darling woman." Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, commented: "Aw love , i did exactly the same thing last week , then burst into tears. Always there."
Kimberly Hart-Simpson, who played Nicky Wheatley in the ITV soap, also opened up about losing her own dad, writing in the comments: " I do this all the time with my dad and then remember. I also have loads of his favourite things around my house so I feel like he kind of lives here too. Loads of love to you."
Former Corrie star and friend Angela Lonsdale movingly posted: " Love you little sister! You did him proud! He hit the jack pot to have you as a daughter. And yes grief never leaves us and hits us Left filed. It’s only because we loved so much that it hurts so much. Call me if you need me. Always here."
Fans also flooded the post with their own similar stories to Samia. @nkirby34 said: "6 years on and I still message my Dad on Facebook, hope you're okay. Strange how it just hits you at times." @1macey replied: "Oh Samia I do this all the time and then I think it’s my Dad telling me he can see what I’m doing. Big hugs gorgeous." @cairns_r_us added: "Grief is truly a bizarre creature but it always reminds us that our loved ones never leave our thought."
Previously speaking to OK! magazine, Samia shared how she honours her late father on his birthday in June and at Christmas. She said in 2020: "I always go to the cemetery. My dad was a massive fan of whisky, so on his birthday in June we took a can of whisky and cola and poured it over the soil on his grave so he could have a drink. We'll probably do that again and lay some nice flowers. And we always toast to him. He might be gone but he'll never be forgotten."
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