Beckhams: Stable union by showbiz standards

He said: "It is early days yet, but the majority of punters so far have been betting on a girl."

The betting chain is also offering odds of 14-1 for the date on which the baby is born.

For those who believe talent runs in the family there is the option to bet on the boy or girl playing football for England at 100-1 and on having a number one solo single at 50-1.

'Wonderful news'

Announcing their news David and Victoria said: "This year has been such an exciting year for us - England are in the World Cup finals, Victoria's had a second top 10 hit and now we are expecting a new baby. It's fantastic."

"Brooklyn is really looking forward to having a little brother or sister to play with."

John Glover, who recently took over Victoria's management, said: "It is wonderful news and we are very pleased for them.

"Victoria will be continuing with her work and we are currently planning the promotion of her third single."

Victoria, 26, had bad morning sickness when pregnant with Brooklyn during a Spice Girls' world tour.

The two-year-old was named after the area of New York where he was conceived, leading to some wild speculation about what the new arrival could be called.