The Hollyoaks star gave birth in December
Hollyoaks actress Kirsty-Leigh Porter has revealed on social media that her baby girl was stillborn.
The 30-year-old star announced the news on Instagram, writing: "💔 Our beautiful baby girl, Penny-Leigh Barber was born sleeping on the 21st of December 2018 at 6.49am, 29 weeks & 3 days young.
"My heart has never felt pain like it. Sleep sweetly our angel. We will always love you. Love your Mummy & Daddy 💔 My Everything 💔"
Check out: 10 beautiful stillbirth and miscarriage poems to help grieving mothers
Stillbirth and miscarriage poems - stacked
1 of 11stillbirth
2 of 111) Precious Little One
3 of 112) An Angel Never Dies
4 of 113) A Million Times
5 of 114) I'll Be There
6 of 115) Silent Child, by Kelly Lancor
7 of 116) Today Was The Day
8 of 117) These Are My Footprints, by Tamara Barker
9 of 118) Angel Of My Tears
10 of 119) Oh Precious, Tiny, Sweet Little One
11 of 1110) The Moment You Left Me
Thousands of her followers and co-stars rushed to pay their respects, with one person writing: "You're so brave. Sending you all the love in the world ❤️❤️❤️"
Someone else said: "Truly heartbreaking 💔 so sorry for your loss Kirsty, thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Fly high beautiful angel xx"
Another commented: "So sorry for your loss. My thoughts go to you and your family 💕💕 And Penny-Leigh will always be watching down on you both and the rest of her family 💞💞"
Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste Hayes, wrote: "I love you both you strong pair xxx"
Amy Conachan, who plays Courtney Campbell on Hollyoaks, said: "Could not love you more. Such a strong woman ❤️"
Chelsee Healey, who plays Goldie McQueen, added: "Oh Kirst thinking of you all! Sleep well princess 👑😢😢😢😪😪😪"
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In November last year, Kirsty-Leigh announced she was expecting her first child with her fiancé Paul. At the time, the actress said: "We’re really, really happy. You just feel everything at once."
She went on to gush about her partner and admitted: "Something just clicks. If you’re in a relationship and it’s not working then you find yourself having to try.
"With him, it’s just not like that. We make an effort but it’s not hard work – it’s just so natural and effortless."
Our thoughts are with Kirsty-Leigh and Paul. ❤️
If you have been affected by the issues in this story, please contact Sands who support anyone affected by the death of a baby.