EASTENDERS’ Louisa Lytton has explained the meaning behind her newborn daughter’s unusual name, and also opened up about her Covid battle shortly after becoming a mum.
The 32-year-old star and fiance Ben Bhanvra welcomed baby Aura last month, and she introduced her to the world on Loose Women earlier today.
Looking ever-the-natural as a new mum, Louisa revealed that it was Ben who chose the name – after they both spent her entire pregnancy convinced they were going to have a boy.
She explained: “We had a shortlist of girls’ names and boys’ names, but we forgot about the girls’ names. Ben found it somewhere… When we then had her, it was such a shock to the system that we didn’t name her for the first few days because we hadn’t thought about it, so we went back to list and it seemed to be the name that suited her the most.”
The TV favourite also revealed that after a “long labour” she was forced to have an emergency C-section, and just as she was recovering from that she and Ben tested positive for Covid.
Louisa went on: “So it’s not been the best start, but she’s been fine throughout, so that’s all we can ask for really.
“Because we got Covid so soon after having her, we’ve had hardly any visitors yet, which is a shame, but everyone [from EastEnders] has been in touch and I’ve been sending photos.
“Now the doors are open, I’m sure people will be coming to visit, which will be really nice.”
And discussing how she has adapted to motherhood, Louisa told the Loose ladies: “I just don’t think anything prepares you. I read every book, I spoke to every friend and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us, but it is tough.
“Ben’s been amazing. Even throughout the labour, I was so fortunate to have them there. Obviously there’s been a time where women had to do that on their own, which is horrendous, but since we’ve had her, I am feeding, so that’s pretty much the only thing he can’t help out with – everything else, he’s been amazing. He’s a very hands on dad.”
Louisa and Ben hope to get married next year after being forced to postpone their 2020 nuptials due to the pandemic.
The star shot to fame playing ruthless Ruby Allen in EastEnders, with her character’s final scenes airing last month as she went on maternity leave.
- Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub
