Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon Reveals Painful Condition She’s Lived With for 20 Years

Coronation Street favourite Samia Longchambon has opened up about a painful condition she has silently battled for two decades, leaving fans both heartbroken and inspired by her resilience. The beloved actress, best known for portraying Maria Connor on the long-running ITV soap, revealed that she has lived with chronic anxiety for more than 20 years—a struggle she kept mostly private while continuing to deliver powerful performances onscreen.

Samia, who joined Coronation Street in 2000 and quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable faces, explained that her anxiety began when she was a teenager and gradually intensified as she stepped into the public eye. Despite her radiant presence on screen, she admitted that behind the scenes she was often overwhelmed by panic attacks, persistent worry, and a constant fear of letting people down.

In her heartfelt revelation, Samia shared that the condition impacted everything from her early days on set to major life milestones. She described moments when she had to retreat to her dressing room to breathe through panic, as well as times when she felt she might collapse under the pressure of balancing work, motherhood, and public expectations. Her confession offered fans a rare, vulnerable look behind the curtain of fame—showing that even those who appear confident and composed may be fighting invisible battles.

What makes Samia’s story especially powerful is her determination not to let anxiety define her career. Over 25 years on the Street, she has weathered intense storylines—from heartbreak and betrayal to tragedies and dramatic romances—while privately pushing through her symptoms just to make it through a day of filming. Her resilience has earned her admiration from colleagues, who describe her as both “professional” and “incredibly strong,” even when she felt far from it.

Samia also revealed the steps she has taken to manage her condition over the years, including therapy, mindfulness exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. She stressed the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health—especially in industries where pressure and scrutiny are constant. Her openness is now inspiring thousands of fans who see their own struggles reflected in her story.

The actress received an outpouring of support online after her admission, with viewers praising her honesty and thanking her for speaking openly about something so many people experience but often hide. Many fans expressed shock that someone who appears so confident on screen could be suffering so intensely, reminding the public that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of success or fame.

This candid revelation marks one of the most personal interviews Samia has given in years, and it shines a new light on her dedication to her craft, her family, and her well-being. Her decision to share her experience comes at a time when conversations around mental health are more important than ever—and her voice adds meaningful strength to the movement.