EastEnders' Ricky Champ reveals wife Samantha Gilbert is pregnant

EastEnders actor Ricky Champ is expecting his second child with wife Samantha Gilbert.

Known for playing Stuart Highway in the BBC One soap, he announced this sweet news via Twitter on Thursday (January 6) with a baby scan reading: "Baby Champ due July 2022."

The 41-year-old and Samantha already have a 4-year-old daughter called Beatrix.

Twitter

Naturally, co-stars and fans were quick to respond with well wishes. Karen Taylor actress Lorraine Stanley wrote: "Yesss!!! Congratulations mate." Outlander's Tim Downie posted: "Huge congratulations! Beautiful news xx."

One fan shared: "OMG! OMFG!! I'm over the moon for you and your beautiful family[.] Just a precious priceless pic #Congrats" Another added: "Huge congratulations. How lovely to have lovely news in the world. Hope you're all well xx."

Enjoy the sleep while you can, Ricky.

ricky champ, wife samantha gilbert, daughter beatrix

Ricky Champ//Instagram

Just last month, Champ's character was diagnosed with breast cancer in a groundbreaking storyline.

The soap star said: "I feel honoured to be trusted with such an important storyline. We will see Stuart really struggle with the fact he has cancer, and to learn that it's breast cancer is really difficult for him to understand.

"I hope by shedding a light on male breast cancer, more men will be aware of it and seek out a doctor if they notice anything wrong."

Dany Bell, of Macmillan Cancer Support, added: "It's brilliant to see EastEnders release this very important and poignant storyline. We hope it encourages people to become more aware of the signs of breast cancer, regularly check their own chests and reach out for help if needed.

"Macmillan is here to offer advice and support to anyone impacted by the storyline and we encourage anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of cancer to visit their GP."

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.