Gambon to become a father, aged 68

Sir Michael Gambon, who received rave reviews for his performance in Harold Pinter's No Man's Land when it opened earlier this month at London's Duke of York theatre, has another reason to feel pleased with himself. He is to become a father again – at the age of 68. The mother of the child is not his wife of 45 years, Lady Anne - although they are still married, they formally separated six years ago – but his long-time mistress, set designer Philippa Hart.

The actor, who plays Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, already has a 17-month-old-son by Hart. A source close to the couple told the Sun: "Michael and Philippa are delighted that she's pregnant again. Philippa wanted a brother or sister for little Michael because when he gets into his teens, it's possible Sir Michael might not be around. Philippa felt it important her son had a sibling. She's also in her forties, so this could be the last chance for more kids."

Sir Michael appears to have arranged his domestic affairs very neatly. When in London he is said to divide his time between 41-year-old Hart at her home in Chiswick, and a bachelor apartment in the city. However, the actor still shares his family home in Gravesend, Kent, with Lady Anne, a retired mathematician. ·