Cast share love with Coronation Street legend Samia Longchambon as she marks huge milestone

Samia Longchambon’s co-stars have gushed over the actress as she celebrated 24 years of her Coronation Street character Maria Connor.

Samia, 41, first appeared as hair stylist turned councillor Maria all the way back on 19th May 2000, and was introduced as a romantic interest for Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall).

Then known as Maria Sutherland, it wasn’t long before she established herself on the cobbles and we were introduced to her wider family – including brother Kirk (Andy Whyment).

Over the years she’s been involved in a number of high profile stories, including giving birth to a stillborn son and losing the love of her life, husband Liam (Rob James-Collier) in a hit and run ordeal.

She’s also had a string of relationships and affairs, including (but certainly not limited to) Nick Tilsley (then Adam Rickitt), Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) and Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward).

Maria is currently married to Gary Windass (Mikey North), but in recent weeks things have been rocky between the two.

After discovering her son Liam Jr. (Charlie Wrenshall) was contemplating suicide, Maria installed a secret camera in their apartment to keep an eye on him, but ended up catching Gary in an intimate moment with his ex Sarah Barlow (Tina O’Brien).

In a recent Instagram post, Samia shared a video of her first ever scene, and captioned it: ’24 years ago today was my first appearance as Maria @coronationstreet.. I was so nervous to be with the wonderful Bill Tarmey (and I think it shows 😝)

‘We filmed it on Easter Sunday and I remember being thrilled that I got a free Easter egg to take home on day 1! Imagine my first line being ‘cobblers’ .. 🤣
I’m super grateful to still be a part of this mighty show 🥹🙏 #goldolddays @alanhalsall 🫶🏼🥰’