Madonna expecting baby No 3

Pop superstar Madonna is expecting her third child.

Tony Ciccone, the 43-year-old singer's father, broke the news in the US yesterday, confirming rumours in the tabloid press.

"I don't know if Madonna's child is a boy or a girl yet, we just want it to be healthy," he said. "We were delighted when we heard but I can't speak about it."

The baby would be Madonna's second child with her husband, British film director Guy Ritchie, 33.

The couple already have a 17-month-old son, Rocco. Madonna also has a 5-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her relationship with fitness trainer Carlos Leon.

Ritchie has described fatherhood as the most exciting experience of his life.

Madonna had earlier denied reports of a pregnancy which started after she was seen encouraging Rocco to pat her stomach on a shopping trip in Beverly Hills a few weeks ago.

The star has cut back her schedule recently and cancelled a twice-weekly matinee performance of her play Up For Grabs at London's Wyndham's Theatre.

- NZPA