George Clooney opens up about becoming a first-time father at 56

'It's going to be an adventure'

George Clooney has opened up about fatherhood for the first time since confirming that he and wife Amal Clooney are expecting twins.

'We are really happy and really excited. It's going to be an adventure,' the actor told television presenter Laurent Weil on French programme Rencontres de Cinema. 'We've sort of embraced it all with arms wide open.'

He added that he's been comforted by the story of 89-year-old French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo having a child with his second wife at the age 70, saying: 'I'm feeling a little better about being 56 by the time [they come].'

The news of Amal's pregnancy broke on American show The Talk earlier this month, with host Julie Chen saying that she'd spoken directly to the 55 year old about the development.

'Beyoncé is not the only superstar expecting twins,' she said during the segment. 'Congratulations are in order for George and Amal Clooney!'

While she didn't have many additional details, Julie continued: 'What we did find out is that the twins are due this June.'

A source has since told InTouch magazine that the pair are having a boy and a girl, although these rumours have yet to be confirmed.

The couple, pictured together in May 2016, are said to be expecting twins in June 2017

'When George and Amal found out it was twins they were surprised, but also a little scared because they both had said that one was enough,' the source explained.

'But the news that it was a boy and a girl made them both really happy ... they can't believe in just a few months, they're going to have two babies.'

George's close friend, actor Matt Damon, who is a father of four himself, said to ET Canada that he was 'thrilled' at the announcement.

'I'm thrilled for him. She's amazing. He hit the jackpot. Just on every level. She is a remarkable woman,' he said. 'They're gonna be great. They're gonna be awesome parents. Those kids are lucky'.

George and human rights lawyer Amal met in 2013 and got engaged less than a year later. In September 2014, they tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Ca'Farsetti Palace in Venice, Italy, with 100 guests present.

In April 2016, George said to Esquire of his wife: 'I've never been happier in a relationship by any stretch of the imagination. At 52 I found the love of my life and I'm really happy.'

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