Russell Brand has confirmed he and girlfriend Laura Gallacher are expecting their first child.

On Friday (08Jul16), the Forgetting Sarah Marshall star posted a wide-eyed snap of himself on Instagram showing him reading The Expectant Dad’s Handbook, by Dean Beaumont. He captioned the photo, "Right then. My Mum bought me this. Time to get ready!"

British newspaper The Sun first reported Brand and Gallacher were expecting a child in May (16).

The comic has enjoyed an on-and-off relationship with the lifestyle blogger - and sister of British television presenter Kirsty Gallacher - since 2007. Last year (15), they were reconciled and then enjoyed a romantic weekend in Rome, Italy. She is reportedly expected to give birth in the fall.

According to The Sun, Brand, 41, is very excited about his impending fatherhood.

"Most of his closest friends have children and he was desperate to start a family. He and Laura are thrilled to bits at the prospect of becoming parents. They have shared the happy news with close family and friends," a source told the publication.

Brand has previously spoken about his desire to become a parent. In a 2011 interview with Redbook magazine he shared: "I think I was ready for it. If you’re wild, like a wild animal, marriage won’t contain you. I think that’s how a lot of people get into trouble."