Shayne Ward: I was born to be a dad, everything else is just a hobby

Coronation Street star Shayne Ward has said he was “born to be a dad” as he gushed over his seven-month old daughter Willow May.

The actor and singer welcomed his first child in December with girlfriend Sophie Austin, and has said being a father is the single best thing he has ever done, including winning The X Factor back in 2005.

Ward told The Daily Mirror: “It is my soul purpose. Everything else in life is a hobby.

He said of his daughter: “She is wonderful, a beautiful girl. She is just starting to crawl. I love it.”

The 32-year-old said the work-life balance between being a parent and a soap star is “crazy”, and added he has new respect for women for juggling everything so expertly.

“I already appreciated and admired women but now to actually be a parent and work – it is crazy,” he said.

“I had a full day with my daughter yesterday when Sophie was working away. Willow is such a breeze and so gentle and always laughing, but I say to Sophie, ‘How do you get  the chores and the washing done?’ I applaud women.

“Willow fell asleep for 20 minutes and as soon as I closed my eyes she was up again. I do like the juggling of it, though, I think it helps in a way.”

Ward, who plays Aidan Connor in Corrie, said that sometimes being so tired from caring for Willow May helps with his acting.

“If I am really knackered from looking after the little one and then I come into work to a sad scene, it helps because I am already in that place of tiredness”, he said.

“If I am having a brilliant morning where she is laughing and I come into work to a funny scene, it sets me up for the day.”