(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Hugh Grant has become a father, it has been confirmed.

The 51-year-old bachelor welcomed a baby girl in early October, his publicist said today.

The mother of the British actor's child has not yet been revealed but he was most recently dating Chinese actress Tinglan Hong back in April.

"I can confirm that Hugh Grant is the delighted father of a baby girl," his rep told British newspaper The Daily Mail.

"He and the mother had a fleeting affair and while this was not planed, Hugh could not be happier or more supportive.

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

American magazine Us Weekly first broke the news and an insider told the publication that the Bridget Jones star is happy about having a baby.

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

After many years of saying he did not want to get married or have a family he seemed to have a change of heart back in 2007 when he spoke to Vogue magazine.

"As much as I adore myself, I'm quite keen to find someone else to care about more," he said modestly.

"I remember reading a Warren Beatty quote when he finally had children and said what a relief it was to not be all me, me, me."

Hugh famously dated actress Elizabeth Hurley for 13 years before ending their relationship in 2000.

He was then with British socialite Jemima Kahn between 2004 and 2007.

The About a Boy star was infamously arrested in 1995 in Los Angeles for misdemeanor lewd conduct in a public place with prostitute Divine Brown. (C) Cover Media