Ally McBeal star adopts baby

Calista Flockhart stars as Ally McBeal

Calista Flockhart, the star of the TV series Ally McBeal, has adoped a newborn baby boy.

The actress confirmed the adoption after an American tabloid newspaper printed pictures of the star carrying the baby, bundled in a blanket.

I'm completely enchanted and awe-struck

Calista Flockhart

Miss Flockhart was reportedly present for the birth of the baby on New Year's Eve.

In a statement the actress said she had always wanted to adopt a child.

She said: "I'm overjoyed that I have been blessed with a beautiful and healthy son."

The 36-year-old star added: "I'm completely enchanted and awe-struck."

Eating disorder

The actress shot to fame with the hit series Ally McBeal, about a single, lovelorn lawyer, in 1997 and has long been accused of suffering from an eating disorder, something she strongly denies.

A statement from her publicist said that while the actress "intends on keeping her new family life very private, she has revealed that she plans on giving birth someday and may adopt another child".

Production of the TV series is unaffected by Miss Flockhart's decision to adopt.

She said: "I feel extremely fortunate and grateful that I work for such a supportive company that offers a wonderful childcare facility, enabling me to spend a lot of time with my son while I'm working.''