Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey announces birth of first child following secret pregnancy
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Kayla Oaddams/WireImage/hallebailey/Instagram
2023 was an undeniably busy year for Halle Bailey, both personally and professionally.
Last year marked the release of the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which Bailey bagged the leading role of Ariel in.
Released in May, the highly anticipated film raked in an impressive $569 million at the worldwide box office.
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And before the year drew to a close, Bailey's movie The Color Purple also hit cinemas in the US.
The reboot of the 1985 film, based on the book of the same name, will be released in the UK later this month.
But, away from her career, Bailey had a lot going on in her personal life too as she prepared to become a mother for the first time.
The 23-year-old kept the news of her pregnancy private, and fans didn't know she was expecting until she announced the arrival of her son on social media.
In a snap shared to her Instagram page earlier today (7 January), the 'Do It' singer wrote: "Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son.. welcome to the world my Halo."
"The world is desperate to know you," Bailey added, giving the nod to the rumours she was pregnant.
In the photo was Bailey and her boyfriend, 26-year-old American rapper DDG's hands holding onto their newborn son's tiny fist.
The tot is seen wearing a gold bracelet with his name on it. Cute!
In the wake of her news, Bailey's celebrity pals have rushed to share their congratulations.
"Welcome to earth, Halo. We’ve been expecting you. Congrats, mama!" wrote fellow mother, Nicki Minaj.
"Congratulations, very well done. Well done for holding this sacred moment to your chest and your heart!! Welcome Halo, a fitting name for a child, born of a heavenly mother," added upcoming Wicked star Cynthia Erivo.
Halle Berry also penned: "Congratulations, Halle. Welcome to motherhood and welcome to the world baby Halo."
Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner commented with an angel emoji and a string of love heart hands.
Bailey's fans also shared their surprise at the joyful news having not known the star was expecting.
"SO SHE WAS PREGNANT ALL ALONG WHAT ?!" said one person.
"Ikr I’m so confused rn," wrote a second.
"HELP I JUST REALIZED THAT HALLE WAS PREGNANT," commented another.
But others applauded Bailey for deciding to keep her pregnancy private and announcing her news on her own terms.
Welcome to the world, baby Halo!