Bert's Baby Secret

THE LOVE CHILD NEWS THE STAR TRIED TO HIDE – AND HOW WIFE PATTI NEWTON FOUND OUT!

- Karleigh Smith

Bert and Patti Newton have been rocked by the shock news that their only son Matthew is set to become a father.

New Idea can exclusively reveal friends of the actor and his much-younger fiancee Catherine Schneiderman, 24, believe the New York-based couple is preparing to welcome their first child together.

But while the couple are overjoyed by the news, it seems that the announcement has been a shock to Bert and 72-year-old Patti.

Sources tell New Idea that Matthew, 40, confided in his father about their plans to try for a baby some months ago, but the 78-year-old showbiz legend chose to hide the love child news from his wife, just as his son asked, until Matthew could tell her himself.

‘Bert and Patti have been through the ringer a bit lately with drama after drama – especially when it comes to Matthew,’ says a family insider. ‘Given Patti’s health concerns, he thought it best not to weigh her down with Matthew’s baby plans until everything was confirmed.

‘The last thing she needs is more stress – and Bert thought he was doing the right thing.  But the thought of Bert keeping any secret from her, especially when it comes to her son and any possible grandchildren, was hard to bear.’