Hugh Grant has become a father for the first time after his former girlfriend gave birth to a baby girl.

The Love Actually star said he was "delighted" to be a dad with his ex, actress Tinglan Hong.

The couple met last year and had a brief fling that ended in the spring.

Grant, 51, is understood not to have been present at the birth five weeks ago, but spent some time with his new born daughter the following day before heading to Scotland to play golf.

"I can confirm that Hugh Grant is the delighted father of a baby girl," the actor's publicist said in a statement. "He and the mother had a fleeting affair and while this was not planned, Hugh could not be happier or more supportive.

"He and the mother have discussed everything and are on very friendly terms."

Grant's former partners include campaigner Jemima Khan and model Liz Hurley. His relationship with the latter fell under scrutiny after his well-publicised encounter with a Hollywood prostitute in 1995.

In an interview with Vogue magazine several years ago, the actor said he would love to be a dad.

"As much as I adore myself, I'm quite keen to find someone else to care about more," he said. "I remember reading a Warren Beatty quote when he finally had children and said what a relief it was not to be all me, me, me."

Hugh Grant becomes a dad