OUR BONNIE LASS 'MY SISTERS SAID, “TRUST YOUR JOURNEY AND ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED, DON'T TRY TO BE A HERO”

SOAP STARS AMY WALSH AND TOBY-ALEXANDER SMITH INTRODUCE THEIR FIRST CHILD, BONNIE MAE SMITH, EXCLUSIVELY TO OK! READERS AND OPEN UP ABOUT THE BIRTH AND PARENTHOOD

- ANNA MATHESON

Amy Walsh and Toby-Alexander Smith couldn’t look more smitten as they show off their baby girl, Bonnie Mae. And as OK! catches up with the soap stars, who welcomed their daughter on 27 December, they look the picture of domestic bliss.

Amy, 34, who plays Tracy Metcalfe in Emmerdale, met Toby, 30, who plays EastEnders villain Gray Atkins, on the set of Strictly Come Dancing two years ago, when they were there to cheer on friends. Toby tells us that having a baby has now cemented their relationship.

“We’ve always been a really good team anyway and I think Bonnie coming along has shown that we’re meant to be parents together, because we’re finding our roles,” he tells us.

And while Amy says the birth wasn’t the most straightforward due to being induced, having two epidurals and a 20-hour labour, her sisters – Sally and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley – were on hand with some sound advice.

“Both my sisters said to trust your journey and ask for what you need, don’t try to be a hero,” Amy explains.

Hero or not, it certainly seems Amy is a natural mum as she calmly breastfeeds little Bonnie and lulls her to sleep while we catch up.

Here, the new parents take us through their birth story and give us the lowdown on their first few weeks as a mum and dad…

Hi, and congratulations to both of you! How does it feel to be parents?

Toby: It’s exceeded every expectation imaginable. It’s just amazing and really special. We’re totally smitten.

Amy: We both look at her and cry! All she has to do is open her eyes and look up at you and it sets you off.