HARRY POTTER - BABY FOR DUMBLEDORE ACTOR

Actor Michael Gambon is to become a father at the age of 66, according to media reports.

The Sunday Mirror claims that Gambon, best known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the most recent Harry Potter films, and his 41-year-old partner Philippa Hart are expecting a child in May this year.

Gambon has a rather unusual home life which defies simple categorisation.

He remains married to his first wife, Anne Miller, despite his affair with Ms Hart having been revealed in 2002. When news of his affair broke Gambon responded by moving into a bachelor pad, rather than moving in with Hart.

It is unclear how the birth of their child would affect the couple's living arrangements. All those concerned have repeatedly rebuffed media enquiries into their various relationships.

Fortunately, Gambon's screen career is more straightforward.

He is an extremely successful actor, having trained with Sir Laurence Olivier. Starring credits on recent films include Gosford Park, Charlotte Gray and The Good Shepherd.

Dumbledore remains his most distinctive role, however. He took over the part after the death of Richard Harris in 2002 and will next be seen in his wizard togs later this year in the fifth instalment in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.