'Both doing amazing, so proud': Westlife's Kian Egan becomes a father as wife Jodi Albert gives birth to son Koa ~ dailyceleb

By Georgina Littlejohn

First time parents: Westlife star Kian became a father last night after his wife Jodi Albert gave birth to a baby boy called Koa

With just four days to go until Christmas Day, presents are being wrapped and put under the tree until the morning of the 25th.

But Westlife's Kian Egan got an early gift this year as he became a father for the first time after his wife Jodi Albert gave birth to a boy yesterday.

The former Hollyoaks star and the pop singer - who married two years ago in Barbados after a five-year romance – have named the child Koa.

Kian took to his Twitter page last night and wrote: Our little baby boy 'Koa' was born today at 6.10pm. Jodi Albert is an amazing woman. Love them both so much. Both doing amazing, so proud. X.'

He later thanked fans for their messages of support, admitting he was shocked to receive so many well-wishes.

He added: 'Wow thanks guys. Amazing to see our little boy Koa is trending in the UK! And he's only a few hrs old!!!'

And speaking to the Mail four hours after the birth, he said he was very tired and 'half asleep'.

He said: 'We had a long night last night so we’re both very tired. But we’re here in the hospital and all is fine.'

And a source close to the star said Kian has been on red alert for the past couple of weeks, opting to work from home in Sligo. He even chartered a plane home from London after the X Factor final, instead of staying overnight.

Proud dad: Kian took to his Twitter page to announce the news

They said: 'He was never going to miss this. He is simply over the moon at becoming a dad.'

Kian's bandmates Mark Feehily and Shane Filan was among the first to congratulate the star.

Mark Tweeted: 'Congratulations to my great friends Kian & Jodi on the birth of their first child Koa,a bouncing baby boy! Yey!'

Nicky said: 'Amazing News for @KianEganWL & @JodiAlbert_xxx Welcome to the world Koa ! happiest days ever - & just in time for Santa too!'

He signed it 'NGRJ', referring to his wife Georgina Ahern and their twin boys Rocco and Jay.

And Shane added: 'Delighted for Jodi ,Kian and baby Koa Fantastic news!!! Congrats guys!!!'

Delighted: Kian's Westlife band mates (L-R Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan) Tweeted their congratulations

Kian will be able to spend lots of time with his son as Westlife are set to disband after a greatest hits album and a farewell tour next spring which will culminate in Croke Park in Dublin on June 23

And the source added that Kian is 'over the moon' that Jodi and Koa will be able to be there.

They added: 'It’s going to be a big family day out for them and now Kian will have his own family there.'

Koa is a traditional Hawaiian name said to mean ‘brave’, ‘bold’, ‘fearless’ or ‘warrior’ and it is also a wood which is native to Hawaii and is used to make musical instruments, particularly guitars and ukuleles.

It’s a flowering tree in the pea family, fabaceae and is the second most common tree on the Hawaiian Islands. It’s also the fastest growing and can reach heights of 82 ft.

Last night, Kian revealed that the couple had come across the unusual monicker in a baby-name list ‘and liked it’. It certainly beats Rolan Bolan or Zowie Bowie.