EastEnders star Michael Greco has become a dad for the first time to a beautiful baby boy.
The actor, 51, and girlfriend Helen Harris welcomed their son six weeks early after doctors had discovered a rare birth defect.
Sharing the happy news with his Instagram following, he explained his firstborn was premature and weighed in at just 4.4lbs on Thursday.
The star, who is known best known as soap character Beppe DiMarco, has named his son Gianluca Greco with the Italian name adorably meaning ‘gift of god’.
He went on to reassure friends and loved ones that his bundle of joy was in safe hands with medical staff.
(Image: Instagram/ @thegrecs)
After suffering from a rare birth defect, baby Gianluca is now receiving specialist care at the intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The new dad penned: “The little man was born prematurely due to the fact that previous scans had failed to pick up his rare birth defect called Gastroschisis.”
This is effectively a defect of the abdominal wall, with the baby’s intestines usually found outside of the body after exiting through a hole in the belly button.
“The consultant suggested it was best for him to be born early so that he could get the necessary care and attention,” he added.
(Image: Getty Images)
The actor continued: “He was born at University College of London Hospital @uclh Their staff were extremely professional and Mother and Baby could not have been in better hands.”
Michael expressed his joy and emotion, explaining that his son’s birth was the “best day of his life”.
“Baby has already had his first operation to replace his bowel where it should belong and is under the worlds best care of @greatormondst where he will be in ICU for a while and most probably for up to 6 weeks.”
“My heart is full already and this is by far the best day of my life. I love you Gianluca more than I can ever imagine.”
(Image: BBC)
Earlier this year, Michael appeared on an episode of Loose Women with his girlfriend Helen Harris and shared their exciting news.
He joked: “I’m a traditionalist about colour.
“I know some people aren’t. I’m Italian, I’m old fashioned, I’m a traditionalist,” as he held up a pair of blue socks, hinting at his baby’s sex.
When announcing Helen was expecting his first child, Michael shared a scan picture, proudly telling fans it was “the greatest post he ever shared”.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
