Martin and Paltrow have been together for a year

A spokesman said they were "pleased to confirm that they are expecting their first child next summer".

The Oscar-winning actress recently told the BBC she hoped to marry Martin, the frontman of best-selling band Coldplay.

The couple have been together for a year, but have shied away from publicity and frequently go out of their way to avoid joint photographs.

'Wrong person'

In a recent appearance on BBC One's Parkinson show Paltrow, 31, was questioned over possible marriage plans.

Coldplay's rise to success

Asked whether she planned to tie the knot, she replied: "I don't know. I hope so."

Pressed on whether that would be to 26-year-old Martin, the actress said: "I'm the wrong person to ask - ask him."

And in an interview with the USA Today newspaper she said she was ready to settle down and focus on "partners and babies".

London premiere

Earlier this year reports from the US said the couple would definitely marry.

But the predicted autumn date passed without any word of a ceremony.

Martin has consistently refused to use Paltrow's name when mentioning his girlfriend in interviews.