Only Fools and Horses star Sir David Jason shocked fans after he opened up about the moment he discovered he had a 52-year-old daughter he was unaware of.
Now the actor's wife, Gill Hinchcliffe, has broken her silence over the surprise revelation.
Sir David already has one child - 22-year-old Sophie Mae Jason, who he shares with Gill - but recently found out he has another daughter, as well as a young grandson.
Advert
He discovered his two new family members after his 52-year-old daughter, Abi Harris, penned him a letter. Sir David then took a paternity test which confirmed the news, and noted it would be 'an understatement' to say it was 'a surprise' he had another child.
The actor told The Mirror: "I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can.
"My wife, Gill, and daughter, Sophie, have been very supportive and understanding and have embraced Abi and welcomed her and her young son into her now wider family."
Abi's mother is actor Jennifer Hill who Sir David had a brief relationship while the pair starred in Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood at London’s May Fair theatre in 1970.
As well as a new daughter, the comedian also gained his first grandchild, 10-year-old Charlie.
Abi opened up about the revelation and said: "In discovering my father’s identity, I am starting to piece together my own.
"Of course, I am tickled pink and incredibly proud but, frequently, completely overwhelmed with sorrow for the years we have lost.
"After a measured start, now I hope we can consciously make time to see each other more often, so that I can master the art of being the best big sister and build a meaningful father-daughter relationship in its truest sense."
Sir David's wife, Gill, has since spoken out and praised her daughter Sophie's reaction to the news.
She told The Mirror: "I can only imagine what a shock it was for David and Abi to realise their new relationship and so I felt very supportive towards them from the start.
"It is lovely to embrace Abi into our family and I’m so pleased that everyone has been so understanding.
"We obviously waited for the right moment to tell Sophie as it was a massive surprise for her too.
"David took her off and worded it beautifully and she took it all in with great understanding and maturity."
Niamh Spence