Kidman confirms that she is pregnant

Nicole Kidman has confirmed that she is expecting a baby with husband Keith Urban.

The couple made the announcement in a statement to a US TV show after weeks of speculation, saying they are "thrilled" with the news.

Despite repeated denials that a baby was on the way, rumours were fuelled when Kidman pulled out of director Stephen Daldry's post-war drama The Reader.

Her Australian publicist Wendy Day said she understood the actress had withdrawn from the film to protect the health of her unborn baby.

Talking about the pregnancy rumours, she added: “For years I’ve seen speculation and for years it’s never been right, so I didn’t think it was right this time. And then she’s just rung this morning.”

Kidman, 40, has two adopted children - Connor, 12, and 14-year-old Isabella - with ex-husband Tom Cruise.

The baby will be her first with country music star Urban, whom she married in June 2006.