Lancashire lockdown baby Willow a TV star at 10 days old as millions watch virtual first meeting with her proud great grandparents

The tiny tot from Hapton was the star of the Channel Five Jeremy Vine chat show, about babies born in lockdown, with her proud mum, Kara Crossley, and her doting great grandparents, Mike and Ann Crossley.

Sadly, due to lockdown, Mike and Ann could not meet the new arrival in person so the programme arranged for a virtual get together that was screened live on the morning show.

Kara, who is 23, said: "I am really close to my grandparents and they live a few minutes away from me but we haven't been able to see them in person for months.

"Since Willow was born we are grateful for technology as we have been on facetime constantly to them."

Last weekend Kara, who lives with her partner, Dale Hodgson, (28) a social media assistant for fashion label Karen Millen, was able to introduce Willow to her grandparents in person as lockdown restrictions eased and families were allowed to meet in gardens. And the TV cameras were there again to record the meeting.

But it was a bittersweet moment for the family as Mike (76) and 75-year-old Ann were still not allowed to hold their first great grandchild. The only person who has been able to cuddle the tot was her grandma, Kara's mum, Melanie Crossley.

Kara, who is a social media assistant at BooHoo in Burnley said: " Even though it was freezing cold, it was so lovely to see them and quite funny because my granddad kept going on about the weather."

The family agreed to take part in the show after producers got in touch when they heard how Kara had to go into hospital alone when she went into labour.

Kara said: "I was in labour for 48 hours and Dale was only allowed to be with me from noon to 7pm each day so I spent hours on my own having contractions."

Willow arrived a week early, on January 23rd, after doctors became concerned for her health after a routine scan at Burnley General Hospital.

Kara added: "I went for the scan thinking I had another week to go but they told me I would have to come back later that day to be induced.

"It was all a rush because Dale and I had just moved to our new home and the renovations were still being done."

The new mum is full of praise for the staff and Willow made her entrance into the world weighing a healthy six pounds.

And the family will be back in the TV spotlight when Mike and Ann finally get chance for a cuddle with Willow.

Kara added: "We are the only family who took part in the show and it has been lovely.

"It is something for Willow to see as she grows up and it has given my grandma a new lease of life."