Frank Skinner to become a father at 55

Frank Skinner has revealed that he is to become a father for the first time.

The comedian announced the news on his Absolute Radio show earlier today (January 28) as he celebrated his 55th birthday.

He is expecting the child with long-term girlfriend Cath Mason, who works as an agent.

Skinner said: "I have something of an announcement to make... I'm going to be a father."

Co-presenter Alun Cochrane congratulated the star and joked: "Are you paranoid of any jokes you've made about ageing fathers in the past?"

Skinner replied: "David Jason - wasn't he 67? The way I'm seeing it is that I probably won't have to deal with those difficult teenage years.

"I've already made certain pledges. It means I'll be up for the show a lot earlier and things like that and what I'm saying to the listeners is - get knitting."

Skinner recently became the host of a revamped version of Room 101.