Wedding bells for Corrie actress

The actress who plays hairdresser Maria Sutherland on Coronation Street has announced that she is engaged.

09:03 07 January 2005

Actress Samia Ghadie, who plays hairdresser Maria Sutherland on Coronation Street, has announced that she is engaged.

Her boyfriend Matthew Smith surprised her with a 15,000 ring on New Year's Day, reportedly leaving her in tears.

"It was a complete surprise," said the actress. The pair have been dating for two years.

Samia told the Daily Mirror that her husband-to-be is nothing like the men her character has been out with in the soap.

"Matt isn't like any of Maria's boyfriends. He's kind and supportive and loving," she said.

"He's dead chilled, which is good because I'm a real worrier."

Her fellow co-stars have welcomed the announcement, with Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah-Louise Platt, and Nikki Sanderson, who plays Candice Stowe, rumoured to be bridesmaids.

"Everyone is delighted for Samia and Matt. They make the perfect couple," a spokesman for the soap said.