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Coronation Street star Samia Smith and her husband Matthew have separated after five years of marriage.
The couple said no one else was involved in the split, which comes little over a year since the birth of their daughter.
The actress, who plays hairdresser Maria Connor in the soap, tied the knot with the property developer in September 2005.
Samia gave birth to daughter, Freya, in October 2009.
The couple said today the decision to separate was mutual and they appealed for privacy.
A statement issued on their behalf read: "Coronation Street actress Samia Smith and her husband Matthew have today announced that they have decided to separate after five years of marriage.
"This is a mutual decision and there is no one else involved. Samia and Matthew ask that their privacy be respected at this time for the sake of their daughter Freya."
Actress Samia, 28, first joined the Weatherfield soap since 2000 under the name Samia Ghadie.
Viewers have seen her character Maria caught up in an armed siege, masterminded by evil ex-lover Tony Gordon in recent months.
