Former star Asan N'jie, who was at the 2019 TV Choice awards, has become a father for the first time. The 30-year-old actor, who played Ellis Chapman in the ITV soap, took to to post a series of snaps of he and girlfriend Kirsty cuddling up to their baby boy, and announced they have named him Leo-Mekailu.

His former Emmerdale co-stars flocked to the comment section to offer their congratulations. Amy Walsh, 37, who plays Tracy Metcalfe in the show, wrote: "Awww such gorgeous news babe! Congratulations xxx." Natalie Ann Jamieson, 37, who portrays Amy Barton on the cobbles gushed: "Awww such gorgeous news babe! Congratulations xxx". Michelle Hardwick chimed in: "Congratulations to you all."

Amelia Flanagan, 16, who plays April Windsor in the soap commented: "Congratulations Asan," followed by a heart emoji.

Fans also jumped in to share their delight for the couple. "Congrats both of you!! He's perfect. Hope you're enjoying your newborn bubble," one wrote.

"So cute. What a perfect little squish. Congrats babe!" another raved.

The couple only and she was due in February. It is not yet known when their son was born.

Asan's axing came after he was caught on camera threatening to stab Jamie Lomas. In the clip the actor was held back by friends as he shouted at the Hollyoaks star.

Things have been on the up for him recently after which sees him working with former Pierce Brosnan.

Asan will play a character called Tom in Giant - a new boxing biopic following the life of Prince Naseem Hamed and his trainer Brendan Ingle.

Pierce isn't the only big name in the cast. The leading role is being played by Amir El-Masry whose breakthrough role was opposite Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager and who also had a role in Star Wars Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker.

Asan was spotted shooting the film in Leeds in April last year. No release date has been set for the flick as of yet.