Hugh Grant is a new dad

Surprise as actor becomes a father for the first time...

11:24 02 November 2011

Hugh Grant has become a father for the first time.

The actor is now a father to a daughter with Chinese actress Tinglan Hong, who is 19 years his junior. They had a "fleeting affair" some months ago.

A spokesman for the actor confirmed the news last night, with the Daily Mail reporting the statement:

"I can confirm that Hugh Grant is the delighted father of a baby girl. He and the mother had a fleeting affair and while this was not planned, Hugh could not be happier or more supportive.

"He and the mother have discussed everything and are on very friendly terms."

The Notting Hill star was not at the birth at the Portland Hospital in September, reports the newspaper, but instead met his daughter the day after she was born.

The paper also reports that a source close to Grant told a U.S. website:

"He's going to be a great dad! He's beaming about his daughter. He's not with the mum any more but he's absolutely thrilled."

At the beginning of last year, Grant reportedly told a Spanish TV show:

"I have some resolutions like losing some pounds. I also need to get married and have children. I need a new house."

Grant famously dated newly engaged actress Elizabeth Hurley for 13 years, and later, writer and socialite heiress, Jemina Khan.