Mead: 'I'll hold Denise's hand at birth'

Lee Mead has vowed to be by Denise Van Outen's side when she gives birth to their first child.

The actor will begin playing Fiyero in a West End production of Wicked in the same week of May that Van Outen is due to go into labour.

Speaking to Closer magazine about how he will manage both commitments, Mead commented: "I 100 percent want to be with Denise when she goes into labour so I'll jump into a car to be with her. Whatever happens, I'll be holding her hand."

He continued: "I want to be a hands-on dad. I'll be changing the nappies and supporting Denise in any way I can.

"I already babysit some of my friends' kids, so that's helped a bit. Nothing can prepare you for becoming a parent yourself though. It'll all kick off!"

Mead added that Van Outen is "really glowing" and will be an "amazing mum".

Van Outen announced her pregnancy in January and confirmed that the unborn baby is a girl.