Des O’Connor, to be a dad again at 72, is following in the footsteps of other famous figures by embracing the challenges of fatherhood while others are anticipating, or enjoying, retirement.

TV favourite David Jason shocked the showbiz world when he announced he was thinking of retiring.

As a father-of-four Paul McCartney may well be used to the pitter-patter of tiny feet but at the age of 60 and the expected latest addition to his clan may just prove the biggest handful.