Emmerdale actress Emma Atkins has revealed she gave birth to a baby boy last month.
The 40-year-old soap star who plays Charity Dingle in Emmerdale welcomed her first child with her partner Tom.
Speaking to The Sun about the arrival of her son Atkins said: "We've had a lovely, healthy baby boy.
"He arrived just before my 40th birthday, which was the best present."
Atkins officially announced her pregnancy news in January after Emmerdale fans were shocked when Charity receive a two-year jail sentence for perverting the course of justice.
While some fans had noticed the efforts to hide Atkins's baby bump on screen, show bosses wanted viewers to be surprised by Charity's shock exit.
Speaking about her character's exit from the soap Atkins said: "It's only right that Charity is brought to justice and is going to prison for two years, but don't worry - I'm sure she'll be out on good behaviour if she plays her cards right!
"I am leaving probably for about a year, because I'm leaving to have a baby which is really exciting. I will miss Emmerdale so much but it's a new little journey in my own life that I'm taking on now. But I'll miss everyone and I can't wait to go back."
BIG congrats to Emma Atkins on today's announcement of the birth of her baby boy in March! x #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/078KvcF3Ax
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) April 17, 2015