Radio 1 DJ and Xtra Factor host Matt Edmondson has become a dad.
Matt’s wife Bryony went into labour just a few hours before last night’s Xtra Factor was due on air, forcing him to miss the show altogether.
Edmondson’s co-host Rylan Clarke-Neal was therefore left to present the programme alone.
WATERS-BREAKING NEWS: @MattEdmondson is excused from tonight's #XtraFactorLive because his wife has gone into labour. Good luck, guys! ??
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) September 3, 2016
Matt hinted at the news early Saturday evening by tweeting emojis which suggested baby Edmondson was on its way.
???
— Matt Edmondson (@MattEdmondson) September 3, 2016
It was then left to Rylan to announce the happy news part way through the ITV2 show, telling viewers “he just texted us and said he’s had a baby girl.”
The BBBOTS host later took to Twitter to pass on his congratulations to the new parents.
Congrats @MattEdmondson and Bryony so made up for you both! Xxx ??
— R Y L A N (@Rylan) September 3, 2016
Matt himself posted a heartfelt note to fans online, sharing details of his daughter’s birth and thanking them for their well-wishes.
A little message… ?? pic.twitter.com/0GBqcHCgnA
— Matt Edmondson (@MattEdmondson) September 4, 2016
Matt and Rylan have become a huge hit with viewers since they made their debut on the X Factor spin-off show.
Despite having only presented the programme for two weeks, response to the duo and changes to its format has been overwhelmingly positive.
Instead of being pre-recorded, the entire show, including the audition rounds, now airs live straight after the X Factor main show on ITV.
Are you enjoying the new look Xtra Factor? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @CelebMix.