Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon flooded with co-star support as she makes ’24 year’ announcement

The actress is famed for playing Maria Windass – nee Sutherland and Connor – in the ITV soap

**Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon** (Image: Samia Longchambon Instagram)

Samia Longchambon, a cast member of Coronation Street, received a tonne of encouraging words from her coworkers as she celebrated 24 years since her debut. The actress gained notoriety for her role in the ITV soap opera as Maria Windass, née Sutherland and Connor.

Samia has been a cast member of the popular programme since 2000. She was chosen for the position over Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud and Suzanne Shaw of Hear’Say. Maria was formerly employed as a kennel maid at Sutherland’s Kennels. Her brother Kirk is still a Weatherfield mainstay. Soon after, she accepted Tyrone Dobbs’ marriage proposal from the top of Blackpool Tower.

Samia has only taken two departures from Corrie in her almost 25 years on the show: one in late 2009 and the other in 2015, both for maternity leaves. Throughout her two decades as Maria on TV, Samia has been included in many dramatic tales.

Samia reminisced on her Corrie debut on Instagram over the weekend, providing a glimpse of her early moments at the kennels with Tyrone (Alan Halsall) and Jack Duckworth (the late Bill Tarmey). Samia acknowledged that the latter sequence made her anxious.

“24 years ago today was my first appearance as Maria @coronationstreet…” Samia, 41, wrote while the video of her first moments played. “It seems like I was anxious being around the amazing Bill Tarmey.

“We recorded it on Easter Sunday, and I still remember how happy I was to get a free Easter egg on the first day! Imagine that “cobblers” is my first sentence.” She continued: “I’m super grateful to still be a part of this mighty show #goodolddays @alanhalsall.”

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“Amazing!!!! and here’s to many more,” was Alan’s prompt response to the post. Replying, “Ah love this Sam and here’s to many more years as Maria,” was Andy Whyment, the brother on TV.

“I couldn’t love this more,” said actor Sally Carman-Duttine, who portrays Abi Webster, in a post. Mike Toolan, presenter of Hits Radio, said: “Well done, Sam! And 24 years later, you’re still doing well.”

Additionally, Samia’s supporters and admirers answered right away. @ianedmonds05 expressed amazement. Cheers to twelve more years as the stunning Maria. @dawncw65 tweeted: “Remember it well you’ve worked with some amazing people there hope you’re still there in another 24 years.”

Posted by @annabelcorrie84: “Happy 24 years. I enjoy seeing you guys as kids, therefore I watch the ITV3 “classic” replays. Despite my intense jealousy, the most of you have not aged in 24 years!” “Congrats on 24 years as part of Corrie, Samia,” tweeted @sammiebbx. Amazing career.” “Brilliant character and too many more years of maria,” said @leoncarroll2008. Cheers to another 24 years.”