Page last updated at 09:00 GMT, Thursday, 21 August 2008 10:00 UK

Twin boys for singer Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin has not revealed what his twins are called

Singer Ricky Martin has become a father to twin boys.

The star, best known for hits like She Bangs! and Livin' La Vida Loca, had the children via a surrogate mother. The babies were born a few weeks ago.

A statement released by his spokesman said: "Ricky is elated to begin this new chapter in his life as a parent."

He added that the 36-year-old Puerto Rican star plans to take a break from the spotlight in order to spend time with his new family.

"The children, delivered via gestational surrogacy, are healthy and already under Ricky's full-time care," the statement said.

In recent years Martin has become an advocate for children's charities, setting up his own foundation against human trafficking.

Earlier this year he travelled to Cambodia to highlight the issue.




SEE ALSO
Latin star Guerra leads Grammys
30 Aug 07 |  Entertainment
Ricky Martin defends Bush gesture
16 Feb 07 |  Entertainment
Ricky Martin sued by ex-manager
07 May 04 |  Entertainment
Martin smashes Latin sales record
03 Jun 03 |  Entertainment

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific