Hugh Grant a father for second time (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Hugh Grant a father for second time

11:14am Sunday 17th February 2013 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Actor Hugh Grant has become a father for the second time and announced the news on his Twitter account - but warned the press to leave his family "in peace".

The Notting Hill and Bridget Jones star is "thrilled" to have welcomed a baby boy, a brother for his one-year-old daughter Tabitha, with Chinese actress Tinglan Hong - a relationship that started out as a "fleeting affair".

The 52-year-old film star has almost been more famous for his appearance at the Leveson Inquiry and his campaigning for a more responsible press of late than for his films, and his tweets are not without a reference to that passion.

He tweeted: "In answer to some journos. Am thrilled my daughter now has a brother. Adore them both to an uncool degree. They have a fab mum.

"And to be crystal clear. I am the Daddy.

"Thanks for v kind messages. Now I've confirmed (press somehow got birth certificate & were calling),hoping my family will be left in peace."

When Tabitha was born in 2011, Grant's publicist released a statement revealing the nature of his relationship with Ms Hong: "I can confirm that Hugh Grant is the delighted father of a baby girl.

"He and the mother had a fleeting affair and, while this was not planned, Hugh could not be happier or more supportive.

"He and the mother have discussed everything and are on very friendly terms."