Kym Marsh happy about early maternity leave

Kym Marsh is "thankful" to be taking early maternity leave.

The 'Coronation Street' actress - whose son Archie died in February 2009 after he was born 18 weeks early - is relieved bosses on the soap allowed her to finish filming her role as barmaid Michelle Connor less than six months into her pregnancy as she has recently been unwell.

Kym - who is in a relationship with 'Hollyoaks' actor Jamie Lomas - said: "One of the papers reported that I was being tested for swine flu after falling ill last week. Because of what happened with my last pregnancy, I'm taking extra care of myself, so as I wasn't feeling 100 per cent, I made sure I got checked out.

"I've taken early maternity leave from work and I'm really thankful to all the 'Corrie' team, who have been amazingly understanding and supportive."

The 34-year-old actress - who also has two children, David, 15, and 13-year-old Emily from a previous relationship -spoke of her joy at the news Charlie Condou is reprising his role as male midwife Marcus Dent on the soap.

She wrote in her column for new! magazine: "I'm really pleased that Charlie Condou - who played Sean's boyfriend Marcus in 'Corrie' a few years back - is returning to the Street.

"He is a fab actor and will be a welcome addition to the cast when he returns in March. Work aside, I absolutely love him - we always had lots of fun together."