Corrie star reveals plan for natural birth

Pregnant Coronation Street star Samia Smith has announced that she is planning to have a natural birth.

The 27-year-old actress, who plays Maria Connor on the ITV1 soap, made her decision after consulting a number of baby books with her property developer husband Matt.

Smith told OK: "I haven't got a birthing plan because by the sounds of things, it just goes out the window on the day.

"I'm opting for a normal birth and I think it'll be okay - I've got quite a high pain threshold. I'm just looking forward to meeting the baby now."

She added: "We've had a lot of advice, but you can get so much that it ends up being a bit confusing. Now we're just sticking to reading books. Our mums have been really helpful too."

Smith revealed her happy news in April and is now seven months into the pregnancy.

The star has admitted that she was originally "scared" to tell her soap bosses about the baby because so many other castmembers have taken maternity leave in recent months.