Madeleine West is pregnant at 45 as Neighbours star announces shock baby news (Image: Instagram Madeleine West)
Australian actress Madeleine West has delighted fans with the announcement that she’s expecting her seventh child at the age of 45.
The renowned star, who is known for her role as Dee Bliss on already has six children with her former partner, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett. The couple’s family includes Phoenix, aged 19, Hendrix, 16, Xascha, 14, Xanthe, 12, and their 10 year old twins Xalia and Margaux.
Taking to with an endearing pregnancy reveal, Madeleine posted a photo next to a river in a navy vest top, proudly showcasing her growing bump, alongside the tongue-in-cheek caption: “WHOOPS.”
Her announcement was candid and light-hearted, as she quipped: “Thought it was #perimenopause. I thought WRONG! . It’s not too much Christmas pudding either. And I couldn’t be happier. Not too sure about the title ‘Geriatric mum’ but here we are, and I’m winding back a little to grow this little surprise package I’ve dubbed #007 (Baby number 7, couldn’t help myself). I don’t have much more to say right now, but I’ve noticed I don’t hear much about older parents. Just seems we are invisible,” reports .
WARNING TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAMMadeleine West is pregnant at 45! Neighbours star announces shock baby news after having six children with her celebrity chef ex-Shannon BennettLINK TO PAGE: (Image: Instagram)
Moreover, Madeleine reached out to her followers for shared experiences and advice about parenting later in life, particularly in one’s 40s or 50s, saying, “I’d love any tips you care to share.”
She humorously queried, “Like how the heck do you get all the #baby paraphernalia together again after you’ve given it all away?? ?? There’s a terrifying new world of contraptions out there and I don’t know where to start!! HELP!!! “.
To conclude her astonishing announcement, she included the hashtags “#olderandwiser #pregnancy #olderparents #love.”
The Australian star was recently linked to Maximo Bottaro, who she dated for more than three years. (Image: Instagram)
Her revelation was met with a flood of congratulatory messages and numerous responses to her request for advice.
One follower wrote: “My late mum was 43 when she had me – unheard of in 1974. She was the best mum – she had life experience, she stayed home with me, we used to walk to the shops and see my poppa on the way….Older mums are so special – you’ll be fabulous I have no doubt.”
Another chimed in: “42 almost 43 when I gave birth to my 1st (and only! ). Being called geriatric never sat well with me lol They need to come up with a better term! Good luck with it all.”
Madeleine’s love life has been in the spotlight as she was last linked to Maximo Bottaro, whom she dated for over three years, though their current status is shrouded in mystery since they haven’t been spotted together publicly since December 2023.
Following her split from Shannon in 2018 after 13 years together, the Neighbours icon opened up about how the separation process “turned love toxic”.