Comedian Aisling Bea, 40, has revealed she's expecting her first child after announcing her pregnancy.

Bea is best known to UK audiences for her stand-up comedy work as well as appearances on some of the nation's best-loved panel shows.

The comedian shared a series of snaps on Instagram showing off her baby bump after going public with the exciting news.

In the collection were snaps alongside Hollywood stars Paul Rudd and Joe Lo Truglio as well as NFL player Travis Kelce as the Irish comedian currently tours the US.

The photos showed Bea had drawn a smiley face onto her bump as she attended the Big Slick '24 show.

She penned in the accompanying caption: "Dignity Intact. Got pregnant so I could try & put something beside Paul Rudd’s face to make him look older.

"Thanks to the @bigslickkc, Paul, @sethherzog super boy @travisKelce & mostly our angel @sherylcrow for helping me show off my bump in the most dignified & classy way possible.

"Sheryl said myself & Seth could be her very professional back up dancers with our ridiculous idea. How on brand! She really does just wanna have some fun, yawl.

"And thanks to @jackoby.freeman & @elsie for doing full bump glam & to one of them in particular for getting me pregaroo in the first place. Just to note if you use sharpie pen on your skin, it will be there for about two days.

"Just if you are weighing up what a commitment to an idea is worth. Gentle dermatitis is the answer."

After realising her post may be interpreted in a sarcastic manner, Bea clarified: "Edit to save myself admin. Yes I am pregnant. This time it’s not a joke about bread."

Before long, several fans, famous faces and fellow comics took to the comment section to congratulate Bea on the baby news.

"Yas," Laura Whitmore replied alongside love-heart-eyed emojis before Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan weighed in: "Aaah congratulations!!"

X Factor duo Jedward also commented: "Let’s go baby momma you gonna have such a cool future."

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"Secret’s Out! Well done, pal! Xx," comedian Humphrey Ker added while presenter Kate Thornton commented: "Congratulations," followed by a love heart emoji. (sic)

Bea is currently in a relationship with partner Jack Freeman who works as a composer and producer.