Beyonce and Jay Z had spent the Christmas period fending off rumours over whether or not she had gone into labour and given birth.

The revelation that Beyonce was pregnant sparked a Twitter record back in August, with 8,868 tweets per second sent as the artist showed off her bulging baby bump on the red carpet at the Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

"I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me!" as she performed live at the ceremony, with Jay-Z watching on from the crowd.

Beyonce and Jay-Z married in a secret ceremony in New York City in 2008. They are notoriously private about their relationship and regularly top lists of top-earning and most powerful couples in the music industry, with a combined wealth of well over $100 million.

Pictures: Rex Features

UPDATE!

Official statement on Beyonce's website:

January 9th 2012

Hello Hello Baby Blue!

We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven.

She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives.

We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.

- Beyoncé & JAY Z

Beyonce gives birth