Eddie Murphy to welcome ninth child

Los Angeles: Actor-comedian Eddie Murphy is set to become a father for the ninth time as his girlfriend of three years Paige Butcher is pregnant with their first child together.

The 36-year-old Butcher is due to give birth in May, next year and Murphy "couldn't be happier."

"He couldn't be happier. Eddie really is a family man and loves all of his children, so he's so excited about having another one on the way," dailymail.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

The "Norbit" star already has five children with ex-wife Nicole Murphy.

The "Shrek" actor also has son Eric with Paulette McNeely, son Christian with Tamara Hood and eight-year-old daughter Angel with former Spice Girl singer Mel B.

"Even though he has eight children by four different women, they all come together on holidays and for sporting events and hang out at his mansion as one big blended family," the source said.

"All of the children love each other dearly and the women, having all moved on with their own relationships, co-exist very well together," the source added.