Kym Marsh given early maternity leave

Kym Marsh has been granted early maternity leave by 'Coronation Street' bosses, who are concerned about her health.

The 34-year-old actress - who is five months pregnant with her 'Hollyoaks' hunk fiance Jamie Lomas' baby - was reportedly advised by doctors to leave her role as Michelle Connor in the ITV1 soap as a precautionary measure.

After losing the couple's first child Archie in February 2009 after he was born 18 weeks premature, Kym is said to be keen to ensure the stress of her job doesn't harm her unborn child.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "You can't blame Kym for being worried after what happened to Archie. She wasn't heavily involved in the 50th anniversary tram crash because that could have been added stress she didn't need.

"And she felt the best thing was to start her maternity leave well ahead of the birth."

Kym - who has two children, David, 15, and 13-year-old Emily from a previous relationship - recently admitted losing a baby at 22 two weeks was "heartbreaking".

She said: "Losing a baby at six months is horrendous. I was nearly 22 weeks when I lost Archie. It's hard for everybody, but for the mother, when you've carried the baby and experienced that feeling, it's heartbreaking."