Joe Lycett fans all ask the same question as comedy prankster becomes a father

Joe Lycett stunned his fans on Friday by announcing the arrival of his first child - but many fans have found themselves questioning how much they can believe the star

Joe Lycett stunned his fans on Friday when he announced he is a father.

The 36-year-old comedian casually announced the news by sharing a photograph of himself cuddling a baby which he wrapped up in his coat. However, Joe has made something of a career out of spreading fake news - with a segment of his TV show focusing on false stories that he has peddled making their way into the news.

As a result of his ability to pull the wools over the eyes of the entire nation, many fans are not entirely convinced he has really become a father to a baby boy. After sharing his news on Instagram, many fans took to the comments section to share their doubts about the happy report.

One fan wrote: "I'm just worried this will come out as him cuddling a bunch of rhubarb in a hat tbh." And another wrote: "Congratulations!! (unless this is an elaborate prank in which case, congratulations!)" A further fan typed: "I never know what’s real and what’s not when Lycett is involved." And another of the many, many unconvinced fans wrote: "I can’t tell if this is satire but I’m here for it either way."

Joe announced the arrival of his child via an Instagram post in which he thanked hospital staff for managing the arrival of his bundle of joy. He wrote: "In appreciation post from me for the extraordinary @bham_womens hospital. My first encounter with them was years ago when they looked after a pal of mine through surgery, and then most recently when they masterfully welcomed a little boy into the world, who happens to be my son."

He continued: "The care and compassion his mum and he received was exceptional; from the antenatal classes, incredible midwives, consultants, doctors, nurses and the ongoing care in the community. We also loved their baked potatoes. Birmingham is so lucky to have them and I will be forever grateful for everything they’ve done." He added: "I am LOVING being a dad but sadly I think this now means I can’t get out of going on Rob and Josh’s f**king podcast. We will not be taking any press requests about this as we have already sold the rights to the first family picture to Autotrader."

Joe's surprising news came hot on the heels that he has a secret girlfriend. Speaking on Bimini Bon-Boulash’s podcast The Pieces, Joe opened up about his girlfriend, who he referred to under the pseudonym Denise in order to keep her identity secret. He explained: "So I’ve got Winston the cat, and my partner Denise. And, um, she’s not called Denise, but I don’t talk about her, because she has a job that she can’t be in the public eye. I call her Denise because she hates the name Denise, so, uh, I live with Denise."

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