Samia Smith: 'I missed Corrie buzz'

Samia Smith has said that it feels like she never left Coronation Street after taking some time off for maternity leave.

The actress, who returns as Maria Sutherland on the show next week, told Heat that she is happy to be back on the programme.

Smith said: "It's lovely. After ten minutes it didn't feel like I'd had a break at all. In a good way."

When asked what she missed during her break, she added: "Seeing everyone so regularly. I've seen lots of my friends from work since I had [baby daughter] Freya, but it's the general buzz of the place.

"Loads of the girls have got babies, so they were all giving me advice. And I texted a picture of her to everyone, all of our friends."