The couple have been together for four years

Jason told the paper that his daughter, who has yet to be named, was "absolutely delightful".

"She has got a wonderful future ahead of her and Gill and I are delighted," said Jason, who is also the star of the hit detective series A Touch of Frost.

He added that Ms Hinchcliffe was feeling fine but would probably have to stay in hospital for a few days.

Jason began a relationship with Ms Hinchcliffe four years ago, following the death from breast cancer of his partner of 20 years, Myfanwy Talog, aged 45.

The couple first met in 1989 when Ms Hinchcliffe became a production assistant with Yorkshire TV.

Jason has never married and, when asked in the past about the possibility of becoming a father, used to say he was too intolerant and did not want children.

He once also described marriage as like throwing yourself into a river when you only wanted a drink of water.