'Dawson's Creek' star to become a dad

James Van Der Beek is going to be a dad.

The former 'Dawson's Creek' star and his girlfriend, business consultant Kimberly Brook, are expecting their first child together and are thrilled with the happy news.

Van Der Beek revealed on twitter: "Yes, it's true - the woman I love and I are expecting our first child. Currently experiencing joy on levels I never knew existed."

The couple - who started dating last July - are now busy planning for the new arrival.

Last November, Van Der Beek filed for divorce from estranged wife Heather McComb, who he initially separated from in June 2009.

The 33-year-old actor filed papers at a Los Angeles court citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the end of their six-year marriage.

James and Heather tied the knot in Malibu in 2003, six months after the sixth and final season of 'Dawson's Creek' aired.