EMMERDALE actress Sammy Winward, who plays blonde heartbreaker Katie Sugden, has given birth to a baby girl.

Baby Mia was born in a birthing pool at Sammy's family home in Edgworth, on Sunday morning weighing 5lb 14oz.

Sammy chose to have the baby naturally at home with the assistance of an independent midwife, an option she had preferred throughout her pregnancy. The labour was described by Sammy's mother Jane as "very speedy."

"She's done fantastically well," said Mrs Winward. "Mother and baby are both doing brilliantly."

Sammy, aged 19, is engaged to Birmingham City footballer David Dunn. "David and I are both absolutely delighted with our new arrival," she said.