Coronation Street star Kym Marsh's heartbreak as she loses her premature baby

Devastated Kym Marsh last night paid a heart-rending tribute to the tiny baby she lost after a few brief seconds of life.

The Corrie star and her boyfriend Jamie Lomas said in a moving statement: "Archie is our beautiful angel and we will miss him so much. Thank you all for your support."

Son Archie Jay was born 18 weeks premature on Wednesday night and sadly died within seconds.

Mum-of-two Kym, who was five months pregnant, had been taken to Trafford General Hospital, Manchester, on Monday, and doctors spent three days trying to prevent the early birth.

A Corrie source said last night: "It's so very sad and the whole cast is thinking of them. Their families are rallying around."

A show spokesman confirmed: "Archie Jay Lomas was born 18 weeks prematurely on Wednesday in hospital - he passed away a few seconds later."

Kym, 32, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor in the ITV soap, was planning to take maternity leave in early summer.

She and Hollyoaks actor Jamie announced they were expecting a child in December after a six-month romance.

They met on a train to the TV Quick Awards in 2007, but only got together last May after Kym's marriage to EastEnders star Jack Ryder ended in March.

Kym has David, 13, and Emily, 10, from her previous relationship with Dave Cunliffe.

Jamie, 28, who plays nightclub owner Warren Fox in Hollyoaks, has two-year-old son Billy from a previous relationship.

Last year, Kym and Jamie talked about how thrilled they were to be expecting a baby. They said: "We are delighted and our family and friends are excited at the prospect of a new arrival."

News of Kym's heartache comes as other cast members are expecting babies.

Graeme Hawley (John Snape) announced this month that he and his wife are expecting a baby in the summer.

Other stars preparing for parenthood include Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) and Jack Shepherd (David Platt).

Alison King (Carla Connor) had a baby girl earlier this month.

A source said: "Corrie is like a family and this news will hit everyone hard."

The death of Kym's baby is the second tragedy to hit the Corrie cast this week.

Sara Roache, 58, wife of Bill, 76, who plays Ken Barlow, died suddenly on Saturday.