Eddie Murphy to be a father for the ninth time

The 54-year-old actor has confirmed his Australian model girlfriend Paige Butcher is pregnant with their first child together after three years of dating.

The 36-year-old beauty is due to give birth next May and the comedian "couldn't be happier."

A source told the Daily Mail Online: "Eddie really is a family man and loves all of his children, so he's so excited about having another one on the way."

The 'Shrek' star already has five children, Bria, 25, Miles, 22, Shayne, 21, Zola, 15, and Bella, 13, with ex-wife Nicole Murphey, whom he split from in 2006 after 22 years of marriage.

The 'Beverly Hills Cop' star also has son Eric, 26, with Paulette McNeely, son Christian, 25, with Tamara Hood, and eight-year-old daughter Angel with former Spice Girl singer Mel B.

The source added: "Even though he has eight children by four different women, they all come together on holidays and for sporting events and hang out at his mansion as one big blended family. 

"All of the children love each other dearly and the women, having all moved on with their own relationships, co-exist very well together."