• Britain's Got Talent judge kept it a secret so long after suffering miscarriage last year.

By Emily Sheridan
Last updated at 5:16 PM on 2nd January 2011

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden is pregnant with her second child.

The TV presenter/actress, 39, announced she is expecting a baby boy in March with husband Chris Hughes, 37.

But Holden also explained she waited so long to announce her pregnancy after she tragically suffered a miscarriage last year.

Glowing: Amanda Holden, pictured in London's Soho on December 21, and husband Chris Hughes are expecting their second child

Glowing: Amanda Holden, pictured in London's Soho on December 21, and husband Chris Hughes are expecting their second child

The couple, who married in December 2008, are already parents to daughter Alexa, aka Lexi, who turns five later this month.

Writing on her Twitter page today, she said: 'Just to let you know. I am 6 months pregnant with a baby boy!! Have had to keep it quiet until now!'

A statement from her publicist said the couple are 'absolutely thrilled'.

Her publicist Alison Griffin added: 'They say they cannot wait to welcome the new addition to their family.'

In a statement on her official website, Holden revealed her secret heartbreak last year after losing her unborn child.

It read: 'Amanda Holden and her husband Chris Hughes are delighted to announce that Amanda is 6 months pregnant with their second child.

'Their delight is increased by the fact that last year she tragically lost a baby.

'As they are sure everyone will understand they needed to get the all clear from the doctor before they shared their very happy news.'

Doting mother: Holden with her daughter Lexi, who turns five this month

Doting mother: Holden with her daughter Lexi, who turns five this month

Sending his congratulations on Twitter was her former Britain's Got Talent co-judge Piers Morgan: 'OK - Amanda Holden's pregnant...

'She's 6 months pregnant too - how the hell did someone so indiscreet keep that a secret so long? Very excited for her and Chris.'

Her pregnancy comes in a busy year for Holden - she starts judging the new series of Britain's Got Talent this month and is set to play Princess Fiona in the new West End production of Shrek: The Musical, when it opens in the Spring.

But Holden today insisted on Twitter her pregnancy wouldn't affect either commitment: 'I'm still doing BGT and Shrek the musical.'

In an interview last year, Holden admitted she had started getting broody.

She said: 'I'd love to have more children.

Big announcement: Holden revealed she was expecting a boy on her Twitter page

Big announcement: Holden revealed she was expecting a boy on her Twitter page

'I'm 39 so I'd be very lucky, I've got lots of friends who have waited too long.

'If it happens it happens. But I'm blessed with one.'

At one point, Holden suggested she was prepared to try surrogacy if she couldn't have children.

She said: 'I can't see where I'd have time and I worry all my eggs will dry up. Some of my friends are struggling. Maybe I'd do a Sarah Jessica Parker.'

The former Cutting It actress married music executive Hughes at Babington House in Somerset in December 2008 after a five year courtship.

The couple announced their engagement in December 2004, but delayed their wedding after Holden fell pregnant with Alexa, who was born in January 2006.

Previously, Holden was married to comedian Les Dennis - 18 years her senior.

The couple split in 2002 - three years after Amanda's brief affair with Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey was exposed in the press.

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

shes 6months pregnant and is meant to be starring in Shrek The musical on west end as Fiona? okay...

Congratulations Amanda and Chris. See its easy, if you can't congratulate someone on their pregnancy then keep our nasty mouths shut.

Awww a new baby - lovely news. Congratulations! Amanda and her husband need some happiness after the events of last year. All the best to them!

Why did you feel the need to put her age in the headline?.

Really, I am pleased for her, but having just talked about how desperate she was for a baby, she is now saying that nothing will change career wise! Why do I get the impression that Amanda can't believe the career she has managed to make from being married to Les Dennis and can't bear the thought of stepping out of the limelight for two or three months to enjoy her baby in case someone else steps into her shoes.....

Pity she's not giving up TV for 10 years or so. Frankly I'm underwhelmed and couldn't care less.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.