In an emotional and deeply personal revelation that has touched hearts across the nation, Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has opened up about her difficult childhood and the lifelong impact it has had on her mental health. Best known for her portrayal of the lovable yet resilient Maria Connor on the ITV soap, Samia broke down during a recent interview, admitting that if she could go back in time, she would hug her younger self — a child who faced far more pain and confusion than anyone ever realized.

Samia, who has been part of Coronation Street since 2000, revealed that behind her bright on-screen smile lies a history marked by emotional hardship and personal loss. Growing up in a home where she often felt unseen and misunderstood, she learned to build walls around her feelings at an early age. “I wish I could hug that little girl,” she said through tears. “She didn’t understand why life felt so heavy so soon. She just wanted to be loved and to feel safe.”

Her emotional honesty has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have praised her courage for speaking out about the struggles that shaped her. Samia described her younger years as “a time of quiet storms,” when she felt torn between trying to please everyone and battling insecurities that made her question her worth. Acting, she explained, became both a refuge and a lifeline. “When I was performing, I felt free,” she shared. “It was the only time I could step outside myself and stop worrying about being enough.”

But that early success came with its own challenges. Joining Coronation Street at just 18 years old, Samia was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, carrying the weight of fame while still processing the emotional scars of her past. “I didn’t have the confidence people thought I did,” she admitted. “I was terrified most of the time — terrified of failing, of being judged, of not living up to expectations. When people saw Maria on screen, confident and beautiful, they didn’t see the real me, the girl still trying to heal.”

Samia revealed that her struggles intensified in her early twenties, as she dealt with the pressures of the entertainment industry, public scrutiny, and personal heartbreak. “I was good at hiding behind smiles,” she confessed. “People would say, ‘You’re so lucky,’ and I’d nod, but inside I was crumbling.” At one point, she began experiencing anxiety so severe that she could barely sleep or eat, often questioning whether she was strong enough to continue in her career.