Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter do an about-turn on traditional marriage announcement with this news

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter may have taken the old-fashioned route when they announced their engagement in marriages section of The Times two months ago, but the couple last night did an about-face and confirmed the arrival of their first child to the tabloids.

The couple told the gossip website they are "over the moon" to be expecting their baby - a clear departure from their previous PR approach.

A spokesperson for the couple, who were first photographed together in September 2014, said: "I am delighted to confirm that Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter are expecting their first child. They are both over the moon."

The 38-year-old Imitation Game actor and 36-year-old theatre director announced their engagement in November, and are thought to be getting married in the spring.

The couple were last photographed together at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Saturday.