Entertainment

Lily Allen's baby delight

Singer Lily Allen is expecting her first child, it has been revealed.

Speculation about the 'Fear' hitmaker had been rife after she'd uncharacteristically turned down alcohol at music shows, as well as cancelling a gig.

Allen, 25, and her boyfriend Sam Cooper confirmed the news saying they were "absolutely delighted".

She said: "It brings me great pleasure to tell you Sam and I are expecting our first child. It goes without saying we're absolutely delighted."

Popsinger Allen started dating the 32-year-old decorating company manager in July 2009.

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The couple announced the news to family and friends at the weekend after she'd had her three-month scan.

'Smile' star Allen has previously spoken openly of her desire to start a family, and in the August edition of Elle Magazine said: "I don't think I'm that young to have a baby. My mother had me when she was 23.

"Having a family will give me something more solid, something that exists, that makes me feel more grounded."

Allen suffered a miscarriage in 2008 when she was dating Chemical Brothers star Ed Simons, and has since described the experience as "the worst time in my life".

At the start of 2010 Allen told fans that she planned to take a career break from singing for one to two years as she prepares to unveil her new clothing range and vintage shop, Lucy In Disguise, with her sister Sarah Owen.