Strictly Come Dancing star Ashley Taylor-Dawson and his girlfriend Karen McKay have had their second baby, a boy called Mason.

The proud father tweeted: “My hero @karenmckay1 gave birth to our 2nd little dream Mason Mac Taylor Dawson this morning!! Thx for all the support. We are thrilled XXX.”

He also praised mothers all over the world in a second tweet.

Ashley is a very proud daddy

The couple have been together for nine years and have another son, Buddy Mac.

Ashley was relieved Mason arrived a few days later than expected as he made his debut in the dance show Friday night, just 24 hours after Karen’s due date.

He was the first to perform in this year’s series, dancing the cha cha with partner Ola Jordan.

The 31-year old actor is best known for his role in Hollyoaks playing Darren Osbourne since 1996. On a break from the soap in 2001 he joined a pop group called allSTARS*.

They had a top ten hit with the Land of Make Believe. The band later split and in 2003, Ashley returned to Hollyoaks and resumed his role as Darren.