Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon has been showered with praise as she showcased her chic ‘new do’. The star, known for her role as Maria Windass – previously Sutherland and Connor – on the ITV soap, recently marked a milestone of 25 years on the iconic street.

On Tuesday, the actress reposted a clip from her recent salon visit to Calum Tierney, the talent behind Michelle Keegan’s iconic tresses. Calum posted a video of Samia flaunting her luscious new hairstyle and even taking up the scissors herself, echoing her character Maria’s profession, captioning it: “‘Warning: May cause toffee cravings.'” He added: “‘We’re mixing things up – I’m now off to work with Maria at Audrey’s on Corrie. Toffee Bronde on the gorgeous @samia_longchambon.'”

Samia quickly chimed in, expressing her delight: “So much fun.. and LOVE my new do.”

Her transformation also sparked envy from co-star Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, as she commented: “Please can I have your hair – just for one day?”

Sally Carman-Duttine, portraying Abi Webster, complimented: “Soooooo gorgeous.”

Fans too showered Samia with praise, with comments such as “Wow. Love the color”, “You are a stunning lady Samia”, “This is everything. Please share the formula” and, “Oh, wow so gorgeous. Love it”.

Samia made her Weatherfield debut in 2000, securing the part over Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh and Hear’Say’s Suzanne Shaw. Initially introduced as an employee at Sutherland’s Kennels, her character became a mainstay on the street after accepting Tyrone’s proposal atop Blackpool Tower. Samia has taken only two breaks from the show since her arrival, both for maternity leave in late 2009 and in 2015.

Over the past two-plus decades, her portrayal of Maria has seen no shortage of high-octane plots.

Commemorating her silver anniversary on the show, Samia posted a throwback photo from her early days on Corrie next to a recent snap outside Audrey Roberts’ salon, captioning it on Instagram in May: “25 years today since ‘Maria’ first stepped onto the cobbles @coronationstreet.

“Feeling nostalgic going through old photos.. this is my first cast card from 2000 and then my latest one!” She continued: “Thanks to my Corrie family for having me be a small part of our very special show. Always grateful for the memories, and looking forward to making more! #coronationstreet #25.”