A Health Update Fans Didn’t See Coming

Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has revealed that she has been living with Raynaud’s disease for nearly 20 years. The condition affects blood circulation and causes reduced blood flow, usually to the fingers and toes. For Samia, it affects only her fingers, but it still brings discomfort and pain.

The actress decided to speak out after posting a photo that showed the tips of her fingers turning white, a common symptom of Raynaud’s. Fans quickly flooded the comments with concern, questions, and messages of support.

“My fingers go numb and I lose feeling”

Responding to worried followers, Samia explained the condition in simple terms. She wrote:

“I’ve had it about 20 years now and it’s not dangerous. It’s called Raynaud’s disease. When I get too cold, a couple of my fingers go numb and I lose feeling in them.”

She added that while the symptoms don’t last long, they can be painful when the blood flow returns. For some, Raynaud’s also affects the toes, but her case affects only her hands.

Samia has played Maria Connor on Coronation Street for 25 years, taking on storylines involving trauma, relationships, and family struggles. Yet this real-life health challenge has been largely unknown to viewers—until now.

Tips From Samia for Others Living With Raynaud’s

Seeing how many people shared the condition, Samia offered her own advice to help others cope. She shared several tips:

• Stay warm whenever possible

• Wear gloves outdoors

• Keep hand warmers in winter

• Eat or drink ginger to support circulation

• Keep fingers moving to encourage blood flow

She also noted that everyday activities, such as walking down the freezer aisle in a supermarket, can trigger symptoms. Fans thanked her for raising awareness and helping others feel less alone.

Other Soap Stars Share the Same Struggle

Samia is not the only soap actor living with Raynaud’s. Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale, has also spoken about the condition. She said she first noticed it when she was just ten years old while playing netball.

“Thank goodness for hand warmers in that Emmerdale village,” she wrote to fans on Instagram.

A Message of Love and Positivity

Despite her health struggle, Samia continues to share uplifting moments with followers. Last August, she celebrated her 8th wedding anniversary with her husband Sylvain Longchambon. She called him the person she loves building life with, and friends and co-stars rushed to congratulate the couple.

Samia’s openness about Raynaud’s has already helped many fans feel understood. Her message is clear: with awareness, support, and a few warm gloves, managing the condition is possible.