ashlee simpson-wentz and pete wentzThe newly renamed Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and husband Pete Wentz have finally confirmed that Ashlee is pregnant with their first child.

Rumours that the couple were expecting a baby first began to swirl when they announced their engagement last month and despite an early denial from Pete, the rumours continued to build as Ashlee made several ambiguous statements in various interviews. The couple then married in a sudden ceremony earlier this month, prompting speculation that they wanted to marry both before the baby was born and before Ashlee began to show too much.

Now Pete has confirmed the news on his website - and explained their earlier caution. He wrote yesterday: “While many have speculated about this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm that we are expecting our first child.

“This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family.”

This baby, due at the end of the year, may very well be the first of many - speaking at the wedding earlier in the month, Ashlee told People magazine: “I would love to have a big family one day.”

Pete concurred, adding: “A big soccer team or a band!”