KEVIN COSTNER - COSTNER EXPECTING CHILD

Hollywood star Kevin Costner is expecting his first child with wife Christine Baumgartner.

The 52-year-old Waterworld star made the announcement through his publicist, Paul Bloch, who said the couple were "very excited" and "very happy about the pregnancy".

Former model Baumgartner had been Costner's girlfriend for four years before they married in 2004 at Costner's Colorado ranch.

A new baby on the way will provide Costner with some food for thought as he puts the finishing touches on Mr Brooks, a crime thriller due out next month.

He already has three children, two by his marriage to former wife Cindy Sylvia and one from his relationship with Bridget Rooney.

Costner's career peaked in the early 1990s with starring roles in a series of major Hollywood movies including The Bodyguard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Dances With Wolves. The latter won him two Oscars, for best actor and director.