Jean-Christophe Novelli has become a father again.

Jean-Christophe Novelli

Jean-Christophe Novelli

The 55-year-old celebrity chef welcomed his fourth child into the world with his partner Michelle Kennedy in September but was gutted he missed his baby son's birth because he was taking his two other boys Jean, eight, and Jacques, four, to school.

Speaking to HELLO! magazine, he said: "It was Jacques' first day at big school, which was a big deal for him. I was hoping to be there for the birth but Michelle insisted that I took the boys.

"I knew it was the best thing for everybody. As soon as he was born at 9am Christina sent me a text with a picture. I cried.

"It was so magical. I have always wanted three sons and this is the perfect hat-trick. All the ingredients are here for a lovely recipe. It's wonderful to have children."

The couple - who have been together for 10 years and engaged for eight - have named their little boy Valentino Louis and, although the chef will be into retirement when his youngest starts secondary school, he doesn't think age is an issue.

He explained: "Age is not important; I still feel young and I expect I will be running for my bus pass!"

Jean-Christophe also has a 30-year-old daughter called Christina with his first wife Tina.

Meanwhile, although they have their hands full with their three boys, the couple are planning to get hitched next August.

Michelle said recently: "We'll both have Zimmer frames by the time we get round to it. We will do it but organising a wedding is right at the bottom of my to-do list to be honest."