EASTENDERS’ Luisa Bradshaw White has shared a rare photo of her daughters and revealed the “rocky journey” to adopting them with wife Annette.
The 45-year-old actress – who plays Tina Carter in the BBC One soap- opened up about the “instant connection” she felt when she first saw photos of her daughters.
Luisa and Annette Yeo adopted the sisters when they were aged just three and four years old.
The star shared the heartfelt tribute with her fans to mark National Adoption Week and gave fans a glimpse of her daughters in a rare snap.
Luisa wrote: “I don’t post photos of my kids and this photo is so incredibly personal to me. But it is National Adoption Week Adoption is something I am hugely passionate about.
“This photo is the pic that was sent to me by Social Services in 2005. I had been sent so many photos of so many different children.”
“But when I saw this pic of my girls I instantly recognised them and burst into tears! I knew they were mine.”
Luisa revealed that her adoption experience has been “challenging and rocky but so immensely rewarding”.
She continued: “We have been on such a journey since, (they are now 19 and nearly 18.). Rocky at times! But I always say they were exactly what I asked for!
“Cheeky, kind, naughty, fun and so loving. I won’t talk about the trauma they have experienced as that is their story. But for me the journey has been so incredibly beautiful. Challenging, but so immensely rewarding.”
The actress’ said she was so grateful for her forever family, writing: “There are so many kids out there that need a loving environment a place to call home, that is safe, and nurtures them. It won’t be easy but life never is!
“I couldn’t love my girls any more than I do. This is my forever family and I am so grateful every single day.”
Luisa celebrated her wedding anniversary with Annette earlier this year.
The star called her other half “my anchor” as she shared sweet snaps with fans.
Luisa wrote on Instagram: “Happy Anniversary @annette.yeo 5 years today. But over 20 you have put up with me!
“I love what we create together. You make me feel safe in this crazy world.
“You are my anchor. And my best friend. I love you Mumma Muff.”
The pair had a civil partnership in 2006 and officially got married in 2015 – where their daughters were bridesmaids.
She shared a photo with the teens – aged 16 and 17 – earlier this year, but kept their faces hidden.
Luisa previously telling OK magazine: “We saw a picture and I burst into tears.
“I knew the girls were my children. I’d bought them clothes before we had even been approved to have them.”
