A jilted bride who married the regional journalist covering her real life ‘Bridget Jones’ story has shared news of the birth of their first child.

Author Katy Colins and John Siddle, who is head of audience at the Coventry Telegraph, have announced the arrival of daughter Everleigh Gray.

Romance blossomed between the pair last year after John covered Katy’s story for his old newspaper the Liverpool Echo.

Katy, a former PR for Manchester Airport, quit her job, sold her house and her car and booked a one-way ticket to South-East Asia after her wedding was cancelled at short notice in 2012.

John and Katy with daughter Everleigh

Her experiences overseas inspired her to write a series of novels called The Lonely Hearts Travel Club under the pen name Katy Colins, earning her a three-year book deal with Harper Collins.

The couple had previously studied on the same English language and journalism course together at the University of Salford, but hadn’t spoken in 10 years before the interview.

Writing on her personal blog about Everleigh’s birth at their home in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, Katy said: “Welcome to the world Everleigh. No one, especially not me, could have predicted how you came to being in my life but I am so bloody grateful that you are.

“I promise to show you the world and can’t wait to start this new adventure with you and your daddy by my side.”