Double joy for actress Holly at 47

Actress Holly Hunter has given birth to twins, it was announced yesterday. The 47-year-old and her British partner, Gordon MacDonald, confirmed the news through her publicist.

They have yet to release the names of the babies, which are Hunter's first. The Hollywood star's spokesman said: 'She has had the babies. They are happy and healthy.'

Hunter and MacDonald met in 2004 when they starred together in the West End production of Marina Carr's By The Bog Of Cats.

Hunter, who won an Oscar in 1993 for The Piano, has also had nominations for her roles in Broadcast News, The Firm and Thirteen.

She has been married once but divorced in 2001 after six years.