I'm a Cheap Date… a Couple of Drinks and I'm Drunk

Samia Longchambon on wild nights out, life as a newlywed and her big return to Corrie.

- Kerrina Gray

Samia Longchambon has been absent from Corrie for a couple of months while her character Maria Connor serves time in prison for her sham wedding. But the star, who’s been in the soap since 2000, has had plenty to keep her busy in her time off, including looking after her children, Freya, seven, and Yves, one, while also finding time for romance with her new hubby, personal trainer Sylvain Longchambon, 36. We caught up with Samia, 34, to find out about family life and what happens when she and her Corrie pals let their hair down…

You’ve had a break from Corrie. Have you enjoyed getting back to work? 

Definitely. I did miss Maria. I had the lead-up to Christmas off – a good six weeks. I went on mini breaks with Sylvain and the kids to London, Celtic Manor in Wales and Amsterdam. I enjoyed just doing the school run and making their teas every night.

It’s been six months since your wedding. How are you finding married life? 

It’s great – it feels nice and settled. I’m still getting used to saying my new surname, though – you don’t pronounce the ‘g’ apparently. I still can’t say it without using a French accent!

Have you learnt any French?