Singer Lily Allen expecting baby

A spokesman for the pair said they were "obviously both thrilled by the news" but would be making no further comment.

Allen, 22, has been dating Simons, 37 - one half of electronic dance duo the Chemical Brothers - since September.

The singer, whose father is actor Keith Allen, will release her second album - a follow-up to 2006's Alright, Still - in 2008 as planned, her spokesman said.

"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," he added.

Last month the London-born performer revealed she had been diagnosed with a heart murmur earlier in the year.

'Delighted'

Allen's happy news followed Radio 1 DJ Edith Bowman's announcement she is expecting a baby herself with her partner, Editors singer Tom Smith.

The 32-year-old Scot described the news as "the best Christmas present we could have wished for". "We are both absolutely delighted," they added.

"To say our parents are excited is an understatement," she said.

Bowman's spokesman said the baby was due in June 2008 and that she planned to continue with her work commitments "for the foreseeable future".

Smith, he added, would "complete his current worldwide tour with Editors".

Bowman - who presents Radio 1's afternoon show - began dating the English musician in 2005.

A former presenter on MTV, she began her Radio 1 career in 2003 in partnership with Colin Murray.

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Radio 1 - Edith Bowman
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