Hugh Grant was photographed leaving Hurley's house

The former Est�e Lauder model and Grant split in May 2000.

Their separation shocked the entertainment world but the pair have remained friends and still jointly run their Simian Films production company.

There had been several denials from the Hurley camp over suspicions of her pregnancy.

Photographs appeared of the star wearing baggy clothes covering a noticeable "bump", but the rumours were described as "vicious" gossip.

'That dress'

Hurley made a name for herself after appearing at the premi�re of Grant's Four Weddings and a Funeral wearing the now famous Versace dress held together with safety pins.

Since then her own career took off, and she was offered parts in Hollywood films.

Hurley and Grant dominated the gossip columns before their split

Her big break came with the cult hit Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

She has since starred in movies including EdTV and Bedazzled.

But Hurley fell foul of US acting unions last year after breaking a strike by appearing in commercials, for which she was fined �70,000 by the Screen Actors' Guild.

She apologised for breaking the strike but said she had been unaware that it was going on.

Her long-term contract as the face of Est�e Lauder came to an end this year after she was replaced by 26-year-old model Carolyn Murphy.