Jude Law is to become a father for the fourth time, following a brief fling with a mystery woman last year.
The Sherlock Holmes star – who already has three children, Rafferty, 12, Iris, eight, and six-year-old Rudy, with ex-wife Sadie Frost – was said to be stunned when
the mystery woman phoned him to say she was pregnant following a brief fling at Christmas.
His spokesperson said: "Following a relationship last year, Jude Law has been advised by the birth mother that he is to be the father of a child due in the autumn of this year.
"He is no longer in a relationship with her but he intends to be a fully supportive part of the child's life.
"This is an entirely private matter and no further statements will be made."
The mother-to-be is believed to be around seven months pregnant.
Jude, 36 – who is currently single and was recently linked to Cameron Diaz – broke the news to Sadie and their children earlier this week.
A source said: "Jude's main concern is his family so he visited Sadie at home in London this week to tell them. There are, of course, financial implications.
"But Jude is adamant these will not affect his relationship with his family. He will not shy away from his parental duties and wants to be involved as much as possible."
After his 2003 split from Sadie, Jude began dating British actress Sienna Miller and the couple were soon engaged.
However, he cheated on her with his children's nanny, Daisy Wright, and Sienna called off the engagement.
- BANG! SHOWBIZ
