Born:
July 13, 1982
in
Eccles, Greater Manchester
Best Known For:
Playing Maria Connor in Coronation Street.
Early-life:
Samia Maxine Longchambon, whose maiden name is Ghadie, was born on July 13, 1982 in Eccles, Greater Manchester to Joseph, a shop owner, and Patsy, an actress. Her parents met in Abu Dhabi and Samia also lived there as a child.
Career:
Longchambon got her first acting role at 11 years old, when she appeared in an episode of Cracker. Following this, she had parts in such TV series as Children's Ward, Heartbeat, Doctors and Life Force. Her big break came when she landed the role of Maria in Coronation Street in 2000. She has played the character ever since. Aside from Coronation Street, Longchambon has also appeared on All Star Family Fortunes and The Chase: Celebrity Special. She also competed in the eighth series of Dancing on Ice.
Quote:
On being a TV actress: 'It's quite a difficult career to be in sometimes. The internet trolls and the bullying? I hate it. Sadly, if you're on TV it's like you're fair game to get bullied.'
Trivia:
She won Best Storyline at the British Soap Awards 2007. The award was shared with Kate Ford and Bill Ward.