SID Owen has become a father for the first time at the age of 49.
The ex EastEnders actor thanked his fiancée Victoria Shore for giving birth yesterday – a year after the couple were left devastated by a miscarriage.
Sharing a picture of himself in scrubs, kissing Victoria, he wrote: “Been a long a day. But. Can I say. I love you Victoria. Thank you for our baby.”
Sid, who played Ricky Butcher on the long running BBC One soap, was congratulated on his happy news by his former co-stars.
Dean Gaffney, who played Robbie Jackson, commented: “Congrats brother.”
Patsy Palmer, his on-screen partner Bianca, wrote: “Congratulations to you all.”
While Danniella Westbrook, famed for being Sam Mitchell, added: “Congratulations daddy and well done Victoria .”
Sid revealed he was set to become a dad last year but told how they had suffered a traumatic miscarriage earlier in the year.
Victoria previously spoke about the experience to The Sun, explaining how she rushed to hospital when she noticed bleeding.
She said: “I was pouring with so much blood, I was surprised they were able to use a probe.
“They told me I’d lost the baby as there was nothing there and was just sent straight home.
“I felt so shocked and numb. I was bleeding for days after and it was bewildering, I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
Sid added: “After the miscarriage it just solidified us wanting to have a baby.
“Not only that, I realised I wanted to marry her. Our dedication to each other was never an issue and we did not leave each other’s side.
“We then decided we would try IVF if necessary, so it was a miracle we got pregnant so quickly naturally. We are so thankful.”
Victoria, 42, already has two children from a past relationship.
Sid reconnected with restaurant worker Victoria and fell in love, having previously met 23 years ago.
Off-screen, Sid has been engaged twice. First to dancer Carty Hubbard, 41, in 2000, then to TV host Polly Parsons, 37.
Popular Sid had three stints in the soap and was last seen in 2012.
His character wed fiery Bianca Jackson (actress Patsy Palmer) who famously screamed “Rickaay!” on a regular basis.
