Soap and TV star Jude Monk McGowan expecting first baby with fiancé and she’s due any day

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published August 13, 2026 12:13pm Updated August 13, 2026 12:14pm Due any day: Jude and Jessica celebrate their new bundle of joy. (Picture: Jessica Hern/ Instagram) Hollyoaks actor Jude Monk McGowan and his fiancee revealed they are about to be parents in a gorgeous Instagram pics … and judging from the photos, the new arrival could come at any minute! The actor, best known for playing unhinged gangster Liam Donovan, celebrates the latest addition to his family three years after announcing his engagement to partner and fellow actor Jessica Hern. Jude’s wife-to-be Jessica Hern shared some sweet snaps announcing theirnews. In one picture, she could be seen proudly cradling her baby bump. In another, she is snuggling up to Jude, who is holding her bump andand posing for camera alongside with the caption ‘Since December I’ve been quietly growing a tiny human and silently scribbling into my notes app.’ The happy couple pose for the camera(Picture: Jessica Hern/ Instagram) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The actress went onto give fans a snapshot into her new life with Jude since they moved to Seoul, South Korea. ‘I’ve finally decided to turn my midnight ramblings into Backstage Bump (my Substack) – a brutally honest, hopefully witty depiction of my experience of having a baby in South Korea.’ ‘Expat mum-to-be or gloriously nosy? Come waddle with me from partially baked to fully baked. Link in my bio.’ Weeks away from giving birth, Jessica first discovered the news eight months ago and fans of Jude from his Hollyoaks days have flooded the comments section with words of encouragement. One fan wrote: ‘Oh my!!! Huge congratulations to you both! Amazing news.’ Another posted: “You’re absolutely glowing!! Congrats.’ She’s not the only one who’s excited. Jude has also been sharing snaps with Jessica as the birth of their baby approaches. Jude played the role of ruthless gangster Liam Donovan in Hollyoaks from 2018 until his dramatic death in 2020, where his sister Grace Black (Tamara Wall), allowed her villainous sibling to fall to his death. Liam in all his devilish glory. (Picture: Lime Pictures) Jude’s character was involved in murder, blackmail and even a twisted hostage scene. He targeted many beloved villagers including Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson), James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) and even his own sister, Grace. Grace eventually put an end to Liam’s reign of terror after he took hostages in The Dog, watching as he hit his head while falling down the stairs to the cellar. Speaking about his exit at the time, he said: ‘My time on Hollyoaks has been incredible. I’ve learned so much about the crafts of acting for camera.’ Hollyoaks is not Jude’s only debut as a gangster. He later went on to guest star in the first series of Paramount+’s MobLand in 2025, where he played Tim Ellis. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Arrow MORE: ‘Disgusting!’ TV soap actor was slapped by raging fan Arrow MORE: Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star welcomes adorable baby and reveals name Arrow MORE: Emotional soap star reveals split from boyfriend amid major career success The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.