The cobbles have long been home to life’s most dramatic twists — but this week, it’s a real-life storyline that’s stealing hearts. Coronation Street actress Rebecca Ryan, beloved for her role as Lydia Chambers, has joyfully welcomed her second daughter with husband Dan Acraman, and fans everywhere are swooning over the new arrival’s name: Oriana.
Rebecca, 34, shared the happy news with a tender Instagram post, featuring a cozy snap of the newborn nestled peacefully. Captioned “Introducing the newest member of my little girl gang, the adorable Oriana,” the image lit up social media with an outpouring of congratulations. And it’s no surprise — after welcoming their first daughter Aurora in May 2023, the Ryans now have a celestial little duo lighting up their home.
The response from Rebecca’s co-stars and fans was instant and heartwarming. Corrie’s own Sally Carman praised the little one’s beauty, while Emmerdale’s Charley Webb gushed over the “gorgeous name.” But perhaps the most touching tribute came from Rebecca’s real-life brother and fellow Corrie alum Jack James Ryan, who proudly declared, “That’s my best friend right there,” in a post showing him lovingly cradling both nieces.
Jack’s bond with his sister and her growing family is undeniable. His photo — baby Oriana in one arm, big sister Aurora curled up at his side — was simply captioned: “My girls.” A moment of pure joy that reflects just how closely knit the Ryan family truly is.
Rebecca, who first rose to fame as Debbie Gallagher in Shameless, has navigated a rich and varied career. After a memorable year on Coronation Street, she said goodbye to Lydia Chambers in 2022 with a message full of gratitude. But fans have always suspected that the actress had more chapters to write — both professionally and personally.
Indeed, it was back in January 2024 that she hinted at this new adventure. Posing with a blooming baby bump, Rebecca cheekily captioned her announcement: “Sleep’s overrated anyway… here comes baby no. 2.”
She and Dan, a British Airways pilot, married in 2022 after pandemic delays, finally celebrating their love with an intimate ceremony Rebecca called “the best day of our lives.” Now, with two daughters and a full heart, the couple is embracing this next phase together.
As for what’s next? Rebecca has hinted at her dreams of joining a period drama like Downton Abbey or Bridgerton, and even cited Succession as one of her dream genres. Whether on the cobbles or in corsets, one thing is certain — Rebecca Ryan is just getting started.
