EastEnders icon becomes a dad again at 53 as he welcomes son and reveals soap-inspired name
EastEnders star Michael Greco has welcomed a baby boy and gave a nod to his soap days by revealing his name. The actor, 53, has become a dad again after his partner Helen Harris gave birth to their little bundle of joy. He announced the couple were expecting their second child at the end of 2023.
The former Beppe Di Marco star told fans he was "truly grateful" to have another child, as he shared adorable snaps of his baby boy.
He said: "I am truly grateful to be gifted another beautiful, baby boy. The value of life in today's world, becomes more and more precious, day by day. The joys of being a father has made me the man I have become. Nothing in this world is more important than our health and happiness and today I am the happiest man alive. I have another angel at my side."
He also mentioned mention his first son, two year old Gianluca, saying: "You have a gorgeous baby brother. Welcome to the world baby Gianni. I love you."
On EastEnders, Michael played Beppe from 1998 until 2002. The police officer turned cab driver had a brother called Gianni - the same name he has given to his son.
Fans were quick to flood the comments section with their love and congratulations to the actor, with one saying: "Congratulations to all, he's beautiful." Another chimed in: "Congrats to you both! He is absolutely gorgeous."
Westlife star Brian McFadden joined in with: "Delighted for you bro xx." EastEnders actor Max Bowden added: "Congratulations mate! " Actress Dawn Steele couldn't contain her excitement as she gushed: "Oh my goodness! Congratulations to you all- love his name too."
In December 2023, Michael had shared a sonogram image, expressing his joy he said: "Absolutely over the moon to announce another Baby Greco is on the way. My beautiful boy Gianluca cannot wait to see his younger sibling. Thank you God for giving me another miracle baby. See you in June bubba. Xxx."
Michael first experienced fatherhood in 2021 with the birth of Gianluca, his first child with partner Helen. The birth came with complications as he later revealed that it was an incredibly traumatic time for them.
Gianluca, whose Italian name translates to 'gift of god', arrived six weeks premature due to a rare condition known as Gastroschisis, where the intestines are located outside the body, potentially affecting other organs like the stomach and liver.
Michael announced the birth of his son, saying: "My boy. Gianluca Greco. Born July 1st 2021. Weighing 4.47lbs. The little man was born prematurely due to the fact that previous scans had failed to pick up his rare birth defect called Gastroschisis. The consultant suggested it was best for him to born early so that he could get the necessary care and attention. He was born at University College of London Hospital @uclh.
"Their staff were extremely professional and Mother and Baby could not have been in better hands. Dad was a 'tad' emotional to say the least! Baby has already had his first operation to replace his bowel where it should belong and is under the world's best care of @greatormondst where he will be in ICU for a while and most probably for up to 6 weeks. My heart is full already and this is by far the best day of my life. I love you Gianluca more than I can ever imagine."
