Third child for Harry Potter author

Harry Potter author JK Rowling announced today that she is expecting her third child next year.

The best-selling author, 38, used her website to break the news and told fans she was “delighted”.

Rowling’s son, David, was born last year following her marriage to Dr Neil Murray at a secret Boxing Day ceremony in 2001.

She already has a daughter, Jessica, from a previous marriage to Portuguese national Jorges Arantes.

Speaking on her website, Ms Rowling said: “I am really delighted to say that I am expecting a third baby, who is due next year.

“I always wanted three children, so I could not be happier.”

The author reassured her devoted fans that the pregnancy would not affect the release of the next Potter book.

“Let me reassure you that book six remains well on track and, fingers crossed of course, I don’t foresee any baby-related interruptions or delays.

“I still can’t say for sure when it will be finished, but I have written a lot and I really like it.”

The author recently revealed the title of the sixth book in the Harry Potter series would be Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.