Paloma Faith has given birth to her first child

Singer Paloma Faith has welcomed her first child with partner Leyman Lahcine.

The former The Voice judge, 35, took to Instagram to announce the happy news, and thanked the NHS for their support throughout her pregnancy (opens in new tab) and birth (opens in new tab).

'After a difficult labour resulting in an emergency caesarean I gave birth to my first child with whom I am over the mood, in love and delighted,' she wrote.

'What a trip! It was all with the help of some incredible doctors, midwives and nurses at UCH NHS Hospital. The devotion, kindness and commitment shown by all of them was second to none and I am humbled by the whole experience.'

'I really believe the NHS to be one of the greatest achievements of this country, and it should be respected and protected by all.'

'I am humbled by the unfaltering dedication I witnessed and received there. So thank you to the NHS, Melissa Whitten, Georgia Seiti, Wendy Hill, all in the Fetal Assessement Unit and the Maternity Care Units. And god bless the NHS!'

Fans were quick to shower Paloma with congratulations on the new arrival, with one writing: 'Congratulations Paloma & Leyman! Wish you all the best with your bundle of joy! ❤️x' and a second adding: 'Congratulations @palomafaith and couldn't agree with you more about our awesome NHS xx'.

Paloma pictured with Leyman in 2015

Paloma announced her pregnancy in August 2016 with a similar Instagram post asking for privacy throughout her journey into motherhood.

'I am so delighted to tell you I am going to take a short while off to have a baby,' she said at the time.

'I have spent my whole life wanting to be a mother and now the time has come for me to do so. I feel so lucky.'

'I really do not want this child to be in the public eye as it won't have chosen to and I hope everyone can understand that,' she added.

'I am nervous and excited about being a mum and just need to be normal and low key for a while. Pregnancy and motherhood is a very personal thing: daunting, new and worrying at times, and I don't want to add to it by having to "look" a certain way when pregnant or photographed pregnant or with my child.'

'I wasn't raised like that and I don't want my child to be. I want the baby to have the freedom of a normal life.

Paloma previously said that she'd wanted to be a mum since the age of 27, and we're thrilled that her wish has finally come true - congratulations!