Joe Lycett’s dramatic baby U-turn after insisting he was ‘too self adsorbed’ for kids just a few years ago
JOE Lycett previously declared he was “too self-absorbed” to have a baby – before making a dramatic U-turn on fatherhood.
The TV funnyman hit out at the idea of having a child ahead of his 30th birthday and said he wouldn’t be ready for “3-400 years”.
But in a big turnaround, 37-year-old Joe has tonight revealed he has become a dad after welcoming his first baby.
The news comes just days after the notoriously private star confirmed he has a secret long-term girlfriend, who he keeps out of the limelight.
But in 2017, as his friends started becoming parents, Joe scoffed at the idea.
Joe wrote a column titled, ‘Help! I’m almost 30 and my friends are procreating like humanity depends on it!’ for the The Guardian.
He penned: “Next year I turn 30, as do most of my friends, so it’s all aboard the baby train for ol’ Lycett and pals.
“I’m obviously not having any – I’m partnerless, rudderless and largely self-absorbed.
“I don’t want a little Oliver/Olivia parasite running about eating my biscuits.
“My friends, on the other hand, are procreating like humanity depends on it, and it doesn’t.”
Joe went on to recall the moment he was invited to dinner with friends, who then announced they were planning a baby.
He says he accidentally smashed his wine glass due to “shock”.
The comedian explained that he did, however, like children and “deep down would love to have kids”.
But he added: “I think I’d make a great dad, but just not yet, and I can’t see myself being ready in the next 3-400 years.
“It’s just that I’ve got so much other stuff I want to do first, like take a three-hour bath every day and write totally idiotic jokes the whole time.”
It ended up taking seven years, not 3-400 years, for Joe to become a dad.
Taking to Instagram on Friday evening, he shared a picture of himself cradling a newborn baby.
In a roundabout post, he thanked Birmingham women’s hospital following the arrival of his son.
“My first encounter with them was years ago when they looked after a pal of mine through surgery, and then most recently when they masterfully welcomed a little boy into the world, who happens to be my son,” he said.
“The care and compassion his mum and he received was exceptional; from the antenatal classes, incredible midwives, consultants, doctors, nurses and the ongoing care in the community. We also loved their baked potatoes.
“Birmingham is so lucky to have them and I will be forever grateful for everything they’ve done.”
He added: “I am LOVING being a dad but sadly I think this now means I can’t get out of going on Rob and Josh’s f***ing podcast. We will not be taking any press requests about this as we have already sold the rights to the first family picture to Autotrader.”