Billie Piper gives birth to a baby boy, Winston James

Billie Piper and husband Laurence Fox welcomed a baby boy into the world early today.

Laurence told reporters outside the Portland Hospital in London that the baby, named Winston James Fox, made his grand debut at around 1am this morning and weighed in at 6lbs 11oz.

He explained that the former Doctor Who star was in labour for 26 hours before doctors decided she needed an emergency caesarian operation - which “only took about 20 minutes”.

He described baby Winston as “beautiful” and “sweet” and the new mum as “happy”: “Billie is happy. Of course she is, she’s a mum. She’s strong, healthy and brilliant.

“I am tired but not as tired as her - I am a proud father.”

Billie’s ex-husband - and still close friend - Chris Evans later visited the hospital after announcing the birth on his radio show. On his way out, he told reporters: “Everything is fantastic. Mum is very happy and I am really pleased - there are some tears of joy up there.

“[Winston] is cute as you like and didn’t cry once for the few minutes I was there which was just a few moments ago.”

Billie and Laurence married on New Year’s Eve last year. Winston is a first child for both of them.