Rachel Stevens confirms pregnancy

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Former chart star Rachel Stevens is pregnant with her first child, it was announced today.

The singer - who racked up a string of hits with S Club 7 before her solo career - said she was "thrilled" at the prospect of becoming a mum.

Stevens, who was once voted sexiest woman in the world by readers of FHM, married Alex Bourne last year.

A spokesman for the star said today: "We are delighted to announce that our client Rachel Stevens and her husband Alex are expecting their first child later in the year."

Stevens added: "We are thrilled and so excited about becoming parents."

She won a new audience when she appeared as a contestant on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.

The 32-year-old recently spoke about how she was looking forward to children.

In an interview published in New! magazine, Stevens said: "We'd absolutely love to have children. I think having children is the most amazing thing."