Brooke Kinsella gives birth to baby boy on anniversary of her brother’s killing

Brooke Kinsella MBE stands by a mural dedicated to Ben Kinsella at Nottingham’s National Justice Museum (PA)

Brooke Kinsella has given birth to a baby boy on the anniversary of her younger brother’s death.

The former EastEnders star, who starred as Kelly Taylor in the BBC soap, took to social media to confirm the news while also revealing a touching tribute to her late sibling.

Just one day after welcoming the youngster, Kinsella posted the first picture of her newborn on Instagram.

At the time, Kinsella revealed she had chosen to name her son in honour of her brother.

“Ben Ross Boardley 29/06/22A perfect miracle given to us on a day when so much was taken away,” Kinsella wrote.

“Named after the very best of men. He will do them so proud, I know it already.”

Kinsella was swiftly inundated with supportive messages as friends and fans reflected on the joyful news.

Brooke Kinsella unveiled a photograph of her newborn son (Brooke Kinsella / Instagram)

“Beautiful, I think Ben sent you a gift to help ease your grief on this day,” one follower said, among the comments.

Others added: “Welcome to the world Ben Ross Broadly named after a wonderful young man a perfect gift to ease the pain of a day that took so much from you.”

The day Kinsella gave birth was bittersweet as it marked exactly 14 years since her brother Ben Kinsella was killed in a knife attack.

Kinsella’s brother was just 16 years old when he was killed in Islington after being attacked by three men with knives in 2008.

His death sparked outcry across London, with thousands later convening for a peaceful march amid frustration about increased knife crime.

Ben Kinsella was killed in a knife attack in 2008 (PA)

Ms Kinsella and her family subsequently established the Ben Kinsella Trust to help educate young people about knife crime.

Reflecting on her family’s loss, this week Ms Kinsella also shared a throwback photograph on social media as she wrote about the last time she saw her brother.

She wrote: “On this day 14 years ago for some reason I popped in to see you at work. You had recently got your first job at an Internet cafe and you were so proud.

“You wanted to be a graphic designer and they very quickly realised how brilliant you were and let you start designing things. You showed me a menu you had created.

“It was wonderful. Sixteen years old and already doing what you loved. I stood back and watched you doing your thing. You had a smile and time for everyone, nothing was too much trouble. People just wanted to tell you their stories and about their day.

“I brought you McDonald’s. It was like I’d given you the world. I left you and said I’ll see you later. I never got to.”