Emmerdale actress Georgia Jay has given social media followers a first look at her baby daughter, days after revealing she'd given birth in secret over the summer. 

Jay had originally announced her pregnancy in June, but final confirmation of the child's birth didn't come until New Year's Day, with the actress revealing she had given birth shortly after her initial announcement. 

The actress, 33, best known for her role as Steph Miligan in Emmerdale, has now shared the first photo of her daughter, named Nora, across social media. 

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Jay posted a black and white image taken by professional photographer Anya Tilden in which she affectionately cradles the seven month old - her only child. 

Captioning the post, she wrote: 'Nora. June.' 

Following her New Year's Day announcement, the actress was flooded with comments from her Emmerdale co-stars, with Beth Cordingly - who plays her on-screen mother Ruby - writing: 'You are perfect and so is she. Love you x.'

Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Wyatt, commented: 'Yay congrats gorgeous' alongside three heart emojis.

Confirming her pregnancy with Instagram followers in June, she wrote: 'As you’ve probably guessed, I’ve got some news to share!

'I know some of you have been wondering if you’ve been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it’s not your imagination... I’m having a baby!

'We’ve never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support.'

Viewers saw Jay's character Steph temporarily leave the soap back in August to coincide with the actress' maternity leave.

Meanwhile  fellow star Joe Absolom has left his role as villainous Ray Walters as he exits the soap alongside his equally evil onscreen mother, played by Jaye Griffiths.

The actor, 47, who joined the ITV show earlier this year in one of their darkest ever storylines, is said to have already filmed his final scenes.

Joe's character, alongside his mum farmer Celia Daniels, had been up to all manner of dastardly deeds, including drug dealing, prostitution and modern-day slavery.

But despite hopes Ray could redeem his evil ways after falling for Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) he will be waving goodbye to the village in scenes that will air ahead of the show's huge Corrie crossover.

A source told The Sun: 'Bosses knew they only ever had Joe for a certain amount of time, but they’ve definitely made the most of having someone of his calibre in the village. He filmed his final scenes back in November.'

Joe is best known for his awarding winning role as EastEnders' Matthew Rose which saw the Londoner framed for the murder of Saskia Duncan.

He appeared in the rival BBC soap from 1997 until 2000 before going on to star in Doc Martin, New Tricks and Code O Silence.  

Meanwhile co-star Jaye, 62, has also reportedly filmed her final scenes with her character said to be leaving 'chaos and secrets' in her wake.

A source said: 'Jaye has truly loved her time on Emmerdale but she knew when she signed up that a character like Celia had a limited shelf life.

'She must be seen to get her comeuppance and that's what is going to happen – one way or another.

'But while Celia might be done – her impact and secrets will run and run and continue to cause chaos long after she's gone.'