Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has revealed that online abuse and critical comments on public forums once drove her to the point of questioning her career and marriage. According to an appearance on Loose Women alongside fellow guest Katie Piper, the actress shared that reading vile social media remarks left her feeling crushed, paranoid, and severely embarrassed.
The Psychological Toll of Online Trolling on Public Figures
Longchambon, who has played Maria Connor on the ITV soap opera since 2000, admitted that she struggled to stop reading negative messages online. Describing the habit to Piper, she compared the behavior to picking a scab. According to the soap star, reading those comments crushed her to the point where she questioned whether she should quit her job or end her relationship with her husband, Sylvain Longchambon, because she felt she was “punching” above her weight.
The actress explained that the abuse caused deep paranoia, making her question whether everyday acquaintances held secret negative opinions of her while acting friendly to her face. Piper agreed with Longchambon, noting that hostile commentary remains permanently accessible on public forums where friends and family can easily find it.
Did you know? Samia Longchambon first appeared on Coronation Street as an extra before securing her permanent role as Maria Connor in 2000. She later met her husband, professional skater Sylvain Longchambon, while competing on the eighth series of Dancing on Ice in 2013.
Balancing Soap Stardom With Personal Health Challenges
Away from the demanding filming schedules of Coronation Street, Longchambon recently shared details regarding a lesser-known personal health battle. The 44-year-old actress revealed she has secretly lived with Raynaud’s disease for the past 20 years. The condition affects blood circulation, causing fingers and toes to change colour, go numb, and lose feeling when exposed to cold temperatures or stress.
The actress took to Instagram to offer tips to fans experiencing similar symptoms, recommending warm gloves, hand warmers, ginger-infused drinks, and continuous finger movement to restore blood flow. The star noted that even routine tasks like walking down the supermarket freezer aisle can trigger her symptoms.
Family Getaways and Well-Deserved Downtime
Amid her busy work schedule on the ITV soap, Longchambon recently enjoyed a sun-soaked family holiday in Tenerife, Spain, alongside her husband Sylvain and their son Yves. The actress shared a series of updates on Instagram from the plush resort, showcasing a black bikini, aviator sunglasses, and Chloe sandals during a poolside relaxation day.
The trip offered a relaxing break for the couple, who married in August 2016 during a countryside manor wedding following their initial meeting on Dancing on Ice. Coronation Street continues to broadcast on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1, with episodes also available for streaming on ITVX.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Samia Longchambon been on Coronation Street?
Samia Longchambon has played Maria Connor on Coronation Street since 2000, following earlier appearances as an extra.
How did Samia Longchambon meet her husband Sylvain?
The couple met in 2013 when they were partnered together on the eighth series of Dancing on Ice. They married in August 2016.
What health condition did Samia Longchambon recently open up about?
The actress revealed she has lived with Raynaud’s disease for 20 years, a circulation condition that causes numbness and color changes in the fingers when cold or stressed.
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