Kym Marsh has paid tribute to her late son Archie on what would have been his 17th birthday. The former Coronation Street actress and her now ex-husband Jamie Lomas, 48, were left heartbroken when their baby boy was stillborn following a premature birth in February 2009. The 49 year old penned an emotional message about the death of her son in a tearful post shared on Instagram on Wednesday.

Kym posted a picture of framed mementos and a lit candle as well as an ultrasound image, as she pondered what her son would have become had he survived.

In view of her 628,000 followers, she began: "17 years without you. 17 years of missing you. 17 years of pain that never subsides. My son. My beautiful boy. Every year I try to think of something new to write, but I just come back to the same thing. We miss you."

She continued: "I wonder what you would have been doing on this birthday and how we would be celebrating? I wish we could. You will forever be the missing piece of my heart son.

Today we will celebrate you and those precious moments we had. Those moments that I will cherish forever. I know grandad moustache will be with you. Give him a big kiss and cuddle for us. I love you so much Archie. Always and forever."

Kym concluded: "My beautiful boy, forever our angel 11.02.09."

The on-screen star was flooded with support by fans and celebrities alike.

Lisa Faulkner wrote: "Beautiful words my darling. That loss never leaves you. All of my love to you angel x."

Dr Punam Krishnan penned: "Sending you all my love today and always."

Myleene Klass shared a crying and heart emoji.

Kym has previously opened up on the stigma surrounding talking about the loss of a child, as she admitted she "felt very alone" after her son Archie's death.

She explained that she struggled talking about her loss at first, out of fear that it would make it feel "real", but that opening up ended up helping her get through her grief, while bringing her family closer.

For help and support with baby loss contact Tommy's, a miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth charity, at mailbox@tommys.org or call 0800 0147 800