Emmerdale's April star told 'stop it' as she's supported by co-stars and Gemma Atkinson amid milestone

Emmerdale star Amelia Flanagan was flooded with messages from her co-stars, including former castmate Gemma Atkinson, as she was seen celebrating a major milestone - which left those who follow the show 'feeling old'.

Meanwhile, those who have watched the star grow up on screen in the ITV soap as April Windsor were left stunned as she revealed she had been celebrating her 16th birthday.

Amelia is famed for playing the daughter of Marlon Dingle and the late Donna Windsor in Emmerdale and soap fans first saw the actress in the role of the youngster back in 2014 when she was only six years old. She is regularly praised for her performance in Emmerdale and has plenty of awards to her name already, winning Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards for three years in a row and was awarded The British Soap Awards' Best Young Performance gong in 2015.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon's 'heart can't cope' as she shares milestone update while fighting tears

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Last week, her parents revealed it was a big day for the soap star as it was her 16th birthday. They took to their family Instagram page and shared a string of images of Amelia as a baby to now.

Captioning the post, they wrote: "Happy 16th birthday to the one that made us a family. What can I say Amelia Grace you continue to make us smile every day and the world really is your oyster now. Enjoy your day sweetheart, All our Love Mum and Dad."

Now, Amelia has been seen celebrating the special occasion as she enjoyed a joint birthday bash with her mum, Rachel, who marked her own milestone days earlier as she turned 40. After Rachel shared a picture of the pair donning stunning glittering gowns as they stood behind huge LED '40' and '16' signs, Amelia sweetly said: "Love you thank you for the best night."

Taking to her own Instagram, the teen was seen posing for the camera beside her own '16' lighting. "Sweet 16th," she wrote alongside the string of snaps, in which she looked beautiful in a sparkling strapless blue gown.

Gemma, who previously played Carly Hope in Emmerdale, was among the first to respond, writing: "Ahh you look beautiful! Happy Birthday." Lisa Riley commented: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVELY. Hope you have the most wonderful party." Amy Walsh shared: "Happy birthday gorgeous girl."

Dean Andrews posted: "You look lovely Amelia." Daisy Campbell said: "Happy bday girl." Karen Blick typed: "Happy Birthday lovely." Meanwhile, on-screen mum Verity Rushworth gushed: "Oh my goodness you stunning gorgeous girl xxxx Happy sweet 16th xxx The world is your oyster and watch out world here she comes !!! Xxx." Corrie's Cait Fitton also added: "Beauty!! Happy birthday."

Emmerdale fans were also quick to respond with their birthday wishes. @dianne_joe_suggwell said: "Aww happy birthday gorgeous." @ms_elliott6 wrote: "Happy 16th Amelia. Beautiful & Fabulous Actress." @nancy.lock.5 replied: "Happy 16th birthday you are growing into a beautiful young lady." @biel_silva2001ofc added: "OMG! Stop it! I'm feeling old by seeing you growing! My Goodness."