Rebecca Keatley, a CBeebies star, has announced the birth of a baby girl three weeks early.
The Port Talbot-born actress, who now resides in Manchester, where CBeebies is produced, has worked on the channel for 11 years after previously working in theatre, TV dramas, and marketing.
She is well known for her appearances on series such as Let’s Play and as an in-vision continuity announcer in the famed CBeebies home.
Prior to joining the BBC, she portrayed the Red Wiggle on the UK version of the iconic Australian children’s show The Wiggles from 2008 to 2011.
However, she said last week that she will be spending a lot of time watching children’s TV shows now that she has a kid.
The 37-year-old revealed her pregnancy with a series of Instagram images, as well as the name of her infant.
‘On Friday 10th November 2023 a little munchkin called Mabel was born. Just over three weeks earlier than expected. Weighing in at a whooping 4lbs 4 ounces,’ she wrote.
‘She had to be delivered early, via C-Section due to fetal growth restriction. Although I didn’t get my wish for a water birth, the hypnobirthing did come in handy before and during the operation.
‘After a week of highs and lows, trying to get her birth weight up, stabilise low blood sugar levels, getting her tongue tongue tie and jaundice sorted. She is now on an upwards climb and doing really well at home.’
She added: ‘As for the parents, well, we’re delirious with lack of sleep but most importantly love. She’s like an out of this world being. And we’re loving the adventure already.’
Rebecca then thanked her ‘other half’ Jim, who she said had been ‘an incredible support to me and the most wonderful Dad already’.
The presenter also threw her support behind the NHS and the ‘fantastic team who helped bring baby Mabel safely into the world’.
Rebecca stated last month that looking forward to being a mom had changed her perspective on the work she created.
‘Talking to the other cast members who’ve already got children, you know how important it is,’ she told the BBC.
‘[They have talked] about how they really treasure the shows and the characters, and how they become part of your family life, so I will have that to look forward to.’
She added she was anticipating being ‘really, really thankful for CBeebies when my child comes along’.
