Ms Richie and her betrothed are now eagerly awaiting their new arrival in January.

But it seems wedding bells will not be ringing any time soon. "I've got to hold something for when I get older. I can't have everything happen in one year," Nicole said.

The parents-to-be have been busy preparing for their baby and spreading some good will during the festive season.

The couple treated 200 needy children to an early Christmas with a party thrown by their newly established charity, The Richie Madden Children's Foundation.

"We really wanted to give these kids a really wonderful and special Christmas. It's our favorite holiday," said a pregnant Richie.

"It's fun for us to be with a bunch of kids who are having a good time. They make you smile," added Madden.

Nicole and Joel have decided to wait for the birth to discover the sex of 'baby Madden.'