Shayne Ward and Sophie Austin are expecting their first child

Soap stars Shayne Ward and Sophie Austin have confirmed that they're expecting their first child together.

The pair made the announcement on their Twitter accounts, with Shayne writing: 'After much speculation I'm over joyed to announce that @sophieaustin1 and I are expecting our first child. #blessed' and Sophie mirroring the message with his name in place of hers.

A source told The Sun: 'Sophie and Shayne have been keeping the exciting news to themselves to enjoy the moment in private.'

'But mum and baby are doing amazing and they’ve started telling their nearest and dearest.'

Former X Factor winner Shayne, who now stars as Aidan Connor in Coronation Street, and Hollyoaks star Sophie, who played Lindsay Butterfield until earlier this year, began dating in March.

The relationship blossomed several months after Sophie's split from husband Graeme Rooney, whom she wed in July 2015.

The marriage was over by the end of the same year, news which she verified with a statement reading: 'Very sadly, my husband and I separated a little while ago.'

'The breakdown of any long-term relationship is always difficult and this is no exception.'

A representative for Shayne, 31, revealed that the pair were together back in June, saying, 'Yes, the friendship between the pair has progressed after Sophie split with her partner, however it’s all still early days to comment further'.

Both members of the couple have kept quiet about their relationship on social media, with Sophie, 32, only posting a small handful of photographs of herself and Shayne to her Instagram account in recent weeks.

Shayne, meanwhile, has not publicly commented either, but has shared motivational memes, including one which reads 'I will be a better me', which some fans are speculating may relate to his dedication to fatherhood.

Congratulations to both Shayne and Sophie - wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!