article: My first trip to New York was with my aunt when I was about 18 and I had been appearing in Coronation Street for about 12 months. I can remember it all so clearly. We had a lot of fun together - we went to see the musical Chicago on Broadway and did lots and lots of shopping. We returned to the city that never sleeps in January 2001, eight months before the terrible events of 9/11, and one of the first things my boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon and I did on my latest trip was to visit the site of the World Trade Center to see the monument to those who died. It was a very poignant moment. Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie and boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon take a selfie in New York . There were hundreds of people visiting the memorial at the time but everybody was quiet and extremely respectful. Sylvain and I flew to the US from Manchester and spent four nights in the city. I love flying from Manchester if I can, not just because it's nearer to my home but because it's not so vast and sprawling as either Gatwick or Heathrow. We stayed at the Marriott where the service was fantastic - when we checked in the concierge desk wanted to know if they could help us to make bookings for shows or restaurants. And when we got to the room, we were met by a butler who immediately took away our shoes for shining - very impressive. You don't get that at a Travelodge! We had a beautiful suite on the 31st floor, giving us panoramic views of Central Park. We valued the fact that the suite had a separate lounge area, and it came in really handy because during our stay Sylvain's cousin in New York celebrated his 30th birthday, so lots of people came back to our room for a glass of bubbly. We sipped champagne as we gazed out across Manhattan - and The Rovers Return suddenly felt a very long way away. The JW Marriott Essex House as seen from Central Park, of which it boasts panoramic views . One of Samia and Sylvain's first stops was to pay their respects to those lost on September 11, 2001 . On the second night of our break, we went on the Bateaux New York cruise, which offers an unforgettable three-hour trip along the Hudson River. We enjoyed cocktails and then a great three-course meal, and after that there was music and dancing. You can go outside on deck where you have amazing views of Manhattan. Actually we only just made the cruise by the skin of our teeth. President Obama was in New York to address the United Nations and as we were in a taxi heading for the pier to board the cruise, we discovered that the police had closed a lot of the streets to let the President's motorcade through. With the clock ticking and our yellow cab going nowhere, we decided to get out and find the nearest subway station. Once our train reached its destination, we had to dash to get to the cruise boat, but fortunately we just made it on time. I'm so glad we did because to see Manhattan like that was an unforgettable experience. The couple, who met as partners on Dancing on Ice, enjoyed a Bateaux New York Cruise of the Hudson . The bright lights and busy traffic of Fifth Avenue which Samia covered extensively during her four-day trip . During our break, we saw most of the famous sights, including the Statue of Liberty, where we took some great pictures. We didn't manage to catch a show, though - we simply ran out of time. We wanted to have a juicy steak at a proper New York steakhouse. Friends had told us about a place called Burger Joint in Le Parker Meridien Hotel - it doesn't look very special (in fact, there's graffiti all over the walls outside) but it's reckoned to serve the best burgers in town. I have to agree they're pretty special. It was Sylvain's first visit to New York and he absolutely loved it. He also enjoyed the shopping. We must have covered the whole of Fifth Avenue during our stay, and yes, purchases were made. I have to confess I bought a few dresses. The pound was very good value against the dollar at the time, so there were a lot of bargains to be had. I calculated that many things were half the price compared with the UK - so how could I resist? While Samia shopped at famed New York stores such as Tiffany and Co, Sylvain worked out in the gym . For bargain shopping, Samia recommends discount outlet store Century 21 for lots of major brands . Sylvain wasn't always my shopping buddy. He chose to remain at the hotel a few times and work out at the gym. So while I was at Tiffany's he was on the running machine. A crowd of paparazzi turned out to be for Lady Gaga, but sadly a selfie with the pop star wasn't an option . Despite our world renown as an ice-dancing couple - we met while we were partners on the ITV show Dancing On Ice - we managed to resist the lure of the rink at the Rockefeller Centre. For Sylvain, ice skating is too much like work. I still skate from time to time and I have to say I'm a lot better at it than I was on the programme. I think that's because I'm just doing it for fun now and there's no pressure on me. If anybody is looking for good shopping, I can recommend BCBG - it's great for dresses, and their prices are excellent. If you're after big savings, head to Century 21, which is like an outlet store for lots of major brands. Friends had told us about it before we travelled to New York. I'm glad they did because the prices were so temptingly low. And of course I also made sure to visit the Disney Store to get presents for my little girl - we were loaded up with bags from there, much to her delight, when we returned to England. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the trip was when we had stopped to have lunch at a small Italian restaurant on Central Park near our hotel . While we were eating, we noticed a crowd gathering - with lots of paparazzi photographers. We were wondering who was going to emerge when out stepped Lady Gaga. It was the ultimate holiday treat - it was just a shame I couldn't arrange a selfie with her. That would have been the icing on the cake. American Sky (0843 636 2001) offers a three-night holiday to New York from £899pp. This includes accommodation in the JW Marriott Essex House New York on a room-only basis and return flights with British Airways from Heathrow. Visit nycgo.com for more information.
highlights: Samia Ghadie and boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon spent four days in NYC .
  While there the Dancing on Ice stars stayed at the JW Marriott Essex House .
  Their suite on the 31st floor offered up panoramic views of Central Park .
  The couple enjoyed a three-hour Bateaux New York cruise on the Hudson .
  The confirm Burger Joint in Le Parker Meridien Hotel lives up to the hype .
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   Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie and boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon 
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