Latest news and gossip from your favourite TV programmes and series

Elaine Lordan discusses baby tragedy

Elaine Lordan discusses baby tragedy

Elaine Lordan has spoken for the first time about the ‘terrible shock’ of her baby son’s early death.

The ex EastEnders actress reveals the horror of losing one-year-old James – who had been born with a diaphragmatic hernia and spent the first six months of his life in intensive care – in her forthcoming autobiography, Whatever It Takes.

“He lay there looking perfectly peaceful, his eyes closed and his little face pink,” she recalls of the moment when a doctor told her that he had been unable to revive her son.

“I lifted his eyelids. Perhaps I hoped to see a flicker of life, even then. I held him in my arms and there was a little trickle of blood from his nose, which Pete [Manuel, her husband] wiped away.

“He was doing really well and it was a terrible shock when he died. He had his own wee personality. He taught us so much.”

The 41-year-old actress also explains how quitting I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here was a blessing in disguise, because it allowed her to spend more time with James before his unexpected death.

Whatever It Takes is published on 5 May.

Archive: Read all the previous stories


Subscribe to the What's On TV newsletter

TV Quiz

TV Quiz

Test your knowledge and win great prizes

Play now

Games

Win Prizes

Play fantastic online games like Strike It Lucky and win instant cash prizes!

Play more

Shop

Go Shopping Online

Get the latest fashions, dieting tips, new exercise techniques - and maybe even a new partner!

Find out more

Also in What's On TV

Soaps

Watch Archie Mitchell's return in the Soap Scoop

Peggy Mitchell is about to get the shock of her life when husband Archie returns to EastEnders, wafting back into her life like nothing has happened.

UK Drama

Royle Family's Nana to quit acting

Former Royle Family star Liz Smith has said she is to retire from acting after suffering a stroke.

Reality TV

Louis Walsh 'to join US X Factor'

Louis Walsh is being tipped to join Cheryl Cole in a US version of The X Factor, according to the papers.

US Series

Hayden Panettiere splits from Steve Jones

Hayden Panettiere has apparently split from Steve Jones because she can't handle long distance relationships.

Star Interviews

Michelle says Tinas falling for Jason!

Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan says its not just a fling for Tina and Jason - its going to be the real deal!

Good To Know