Chart-topping pop singer Lily Allen is pregnant with her first child, it was confirmed today.

The 22-year-old is "thrilled" to be expecting a baby with Chemical Brothers musician Ed Simons, 37. The couple have been dating since September.

A spokesman for Allen said: "I am pleased to confirm that Lily Allen and her boyfriend, Ed Simons, are expecting their first child.

"However, as the pregnancy is at a very, very early stage, the couple ask that you respect their privacy, as the health of Lily and their child is their paramount concern.

"As the pregnancy is at such an early stage, the couple will be making no further comment but they are obviously both thrilled by the news.”

The singer is due to release an album and front a new TV chat show next year.

Her spokesman confirmed the record release would go ahead and BBC Three said plans for Lily Allen and Friends, due to screen in the spring, remain unchanged.

A spokewoman for the broadcaster said: "We have heard the news and we are thrilled for her."

Allen, the daughter of actor Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen, rose to fame last year after releasing her debut album Alright, Still. Outspoken and spontaneous, she quickly became a tabloid favourite. Eschewing the customary PR line, she has publicly criticised fellow singers Cheryl Cole, Madonna and Pete Doherty, blogged about feeling fat, ugly and inferior to Amy Winehouse, and been arrested for allegedly attacking a photographer.

In spite of her success – the track Smile went to the top of the singles chart – the singer has said she only wants to make one more album before retiring. If she goes through with those plans and dedicates her time to being a full-time mother, she will be giving her a baby a different upbringing to her own.

Recently Allen spoke of a childhood spent with nannies after her parents broke up when she was four. “We had nannies, most of whom I hated”.

She also said she didn't want to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who worked hard to build a career: “I love her and think she’s brilliant, but I don’t want to work as hard as she did to provide for us. That’s why I’ve always wanted to make lots of money early on.”

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