Sid Owen's heartache after fiancee's miscarriage

Sid Owen was overcome with depression after his fiancee suffered a miscarriage.

The 'EastEnders' legend's partner Victoria Shores is pregnant with their baby, but eight months ago, the couple suffered a devastating loss and the 49-year-old actor admitted it took a "real toll" on his mental health and he could barely leave the house.

He said: “I didn’t know what to say or do. I could have done with some advice or someone to talk to. I felt empty and helpless.

"We were so excited and then suddenly it felt like we had lost everything.

“I was trying to be strong for Vic. I felt I couldn’t break down as I wasn’t in physical pain, but ­emotionally I was in pieces.

“I was so attached to this idea of our baby. There wasn’t a day that passed when we didn’t speak about the baby. It was a grieving process.

“It took the emotion out of me. I felt numb and didn’t want to go out or see anyone. It took a real toll on my mental health.”

The tragedy only solidified Sid's commitment to 42-year-old Victoria - a former girlfriend who he reconnected with on Facebook last year - and sparked his decision to propose.

He told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “After the miscarriage it just ­solidified us wanting to have a baby.

“Not only that, I realised I wanted to marry her. Our dedication to each other was never an issue and we did not leave each other’s side.

"We then decided we would try IVF if ­necessary, so it was a miracle we got pregnant so quickly naturally. We are so thankful.”

Victoria, who already has two children from a previous relationship, added: “I felt so sorry for Sid as it was his first experience of a baby. He was in shock and I felt he needed someone to talk to, but he was brilliant with me and very caring. It changed our ­relationship for ever.

"We were ­connected and he was the only other person who knew how I felt.

“We couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to get pregnant again just two months after my miscarriage. We were extremely fortunate.

“Sid was worried about me going through another miscarriage as it was so traumatic. I can’t imagine what people must feel like when they have it happen multiple times.”

The couple will welcome their baby into the world in January, and Sid has vowed to be the best dad possible.

He said: “I want to bring my child up with both ­parents, keep them grounded and be there for them.

“I’m worried I’m going to spoil them — we’ve bought 40 outfits already. I’m ready to go and I’m keen to learn on the job.”