Ed Speleers to be a dad - report

Downton Abbey star Ed Speleers is to become a first-time father, according to a U.K. report.

The British actor, who played footman Jimmy Kent in the hit TV drama, and his girlfriend Asia Macey are preparing to welcome their first child in January (15), according to Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper.

A source says, "Ed's so excited about becoming a dad."

The report also suggests that Speleers, 26, has wed Macey in secret, as another source adds, "His mates were at a party... and were referring to Asia as his wife. It seems like they have married in secret."

Speleers' character was written out of the drama during this year's (14) series.