Top celebrity parenting stories of 2012

Imogen Thomas's surprise baby, Tori Spelling's and Jessica Simpson's back-to-back arrivals, and the mother of all public break-ups courtesy of Chantelle and Alex. No one can say 2012 was a quiet one...

More on Parentdish:

Meet all the famous faces who became parents in 2012 and the celebs due to give birth next year

See how this year compared to 2011's celebrity moments

Celebrity stories 2012

Amanda Holden gives birth to daughter Hollie Rose
 Following a dramatic delivery, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/01/25/amanda-holden-gives-birth-to-daughter-hollie-rose/" target="_blank">welcomed baby Hollie Rose at the beginning of the year</a>. The little girl weighed in at a healthy 6lb, 1oz, despite being born a month premature, but it wasn’t smooth sailing for Amanda. She later revealed she lost so much blood, that she was in intensive care for three days following the birth.
Pregnant Stacey Solomon caught smoking
 Mum-to-be Stacey was <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/03/04/pregnant-stacey-solomon-caught-smoking/" target="_blank">photographed smoking seven months into her pregnancy in March</a>. She later appeared on TV in tears saying she was trying to quit, and was booted off the Celebrity Mum of the Year shortlist for her actions.
Saturdays star Una Healy gives birth to first baby
 Saturdays singer Una became the fist band member to become a mum when she <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/03/13/saturdays-star-una-healy-gives-birth-to-first-baby-ben-foden/" target="_blank">gave birth to baby Aoife Belle early in the year.</a> The ridiculously gorgeous baby is Una and husband Ben Foden first child.
Katie Price wins Celebrity Mum of the Year for the second time
 Mum of three Katie Price won the <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/03/15/katie-price-wins-celebrity-mum-of-the-year-for-the-second-time/" target="_blank">coveted Celebrity Mum of the Year crown in March</a> - for the second time! The glamour girl somehow beat  Amanda Holden, TV's Holly Willoughby and Victoria Beckham to take the Foxy Bingo title again. Sigh.
Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon snapped smoking - at 15
 Madge’s daughter Lourdes was <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/03/26/madonnas-daughter-lourdes-leon-snapped-smoking-at-15/ " target="_blank">photographed smoking aged just 15 in March</a>. The teenager was caught fag-in-mouth by photographers whilst out and about with male pals in New York. With the legal age for smoking in America set at 18, Lourdes was breaking the law as well as risking her health and looks.
Peaches Geldof gives birth to baby Astala
 When former wild-child Peaches <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/04/21/peaches-geldof-has-given-birth-to-son/" target="_blank">gave birth to son Astala in April</a>, she surprised us all by taking to motherhood like a duck to water, and quickly became one of our <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/mum/why-peaches-geldof-is-my-parenting-role-model/" target="_blank">favourite celebrity mums of 2012.  </a>
New mum Stacey Solomon reveals baby name
 Reality TV star Stacey kept mum about her second son’s name for a week after his arrival in the spring. When she finally revealed the name of choice, she was met with tumbleweed. <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/05/10/new-mum-stacey-solomon-reveals-baby-name-leighton/" target="_blank">The little boy was name Leighton</a>. Yes, really.
Frank Skinner becomes a dad for the first time aged 55
 Comedian Frank <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/05/26/frank-skinner-becomes-a-dad-for-the-first-time-aged-55-buzz-cody/" target="_blank">became a first time dad at 55 in May.</a> His girlfriend Cath Mason, 43, gave birth to a baby boy which the couple named Buzz Cody.
Myleene Klass thanks fans for their support after marriage break-up
 Shock break-up of the year goes to Myleene Klass and husband Graham Quinn, who split after 11 years together. The mum of two <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/06/11/myleene-klass-thanks-fans-for-their-support-after-marriage-break-up-with-graham-quinn/" target="_blank">took to Twitter to thank fans and followers</a> for their support as she coped as a single mum to kids Ava and Hero, tweeting: “Thank you all of you for the thoughts and msgs of support for me and my girls. They've given me comfort, courage and hope. #strongmamas X"
Willow Smith, 11, has a (thankfully fake) tongue piercing
 Will and Jada’s daughter has never really been one for rules (shaving her hair off for example), but she really did shock us when she showed off her <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/06/26/willow-smith-11-has-a-fake-tongue-piercing/" target="_blank">tongue piercing, aged just 11</a>. Thankfully the piercing was a fake, but it certainly left us open-mouthed.
Lily Allen is pregnant again
 After welcoming baby Ethel in November 2011, Lily didn’t waste much time extending her family - <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/07/08/lily-allen-is-pregnant-again-second-baby-due-december/" target="_blank">she was pregnant again just months after giving birth!</a> She kept mum about her pregnancy, just giving her Twitter followers the odd bump-related tweet now and again.
Michelle Heaton locks baby Faith in her car...and firemen come to her rescue!
 Mum Michelle took to Twitter to share her Mum Fail in the summer - <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/07/12/michelle-heaton-locks-baby-faith-in-her-car-and-firemen-come-to-rescue/" target="_blank">she accidentally locked baby Faith in her car</a>, and had to be rescued by firefighters!  "Just has the worst hour of my life. I locked faith, my keys & my phone in the car. Somehow the car locked when I shut the door," tweeted the panicked mum.
Chantelle Houghton finally reveals the name of her baby
 Chantelle and Alex’s little girl went weeks with no name, but the couple finally revealed it in July, <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/07/23/chantelle-houghton-and%20alex-reid-reveal-daughter-baby-name-dolly/" target="_blank">announcing their first child was called Dolly. </a>And there we were expecting a Chardonnay or Chanex!
Mark Owen is a dad for the third time
 Mark Owen became a <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/07/25/mark-owen-is-a-dad--to-daughter-fox-third-child/" target="_blank">dad for the third time in July, to a baby girl</a> called…wait for it…Fox! Mark and wife Emma already have two children, son Elwood, six, and daughter Willow, four. Elwood, Willow, Fox - woodland theme anyone?
Michael Jackson's mum re-awarded guardianship of his children
 Following weeks of family feuds, tears and tantrums, Katherine Jackson was <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/08/03/michael-jackson-mum-katherine-re-awarded-guardianship-of-his-children-prince-paris-blanket/" target="_blank">re-awarded custody of her grandchildren,</a> Michael Jackson’s children Prince, 15, Paris, 14, and Blanket, 10. The family was in turmoil after Katherine lost custody following her ‘disappearance’ a few weeks beforehand. She  had been reported missing by some of her family, and her grandchildren were said to be worried about her when she was out of contact for 10 days. The 82-year-old then turned up safe and well at a Arizona spa claiming she was having a holiday. The mind boggles.
Imogen Thomas pregnant with first baby
 Glamour girl Imogen <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/08/05/imogen-thomas-pregnant-with-first-baby-adam-horsley/" target="_blank">announced her pregnancy</a> with an exclusive newspaper deal (naturally), and is due to give birth in January 2013. The new arrival will be her first baby with partner, Adam Horsley, and we have, of course, been given daily updates on the bump on Twitter. Yaaaaawn.
Gary Barlow's heartbreak as baby daughter Poppy is stillborn
 Take That singer Gary broke the devastating news that his <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/08/06/gary-barlow-heartbreak-as-baby-daughter-poppy-is-stillborn/" target="_blank">fourth baby was delivered stillborn in August</a>. The X Factor judge and wife Dawn announced they had lost their daughter, who they named Poppy with the message: “Dawn and I are devastated to announce that we've lost our baby. Poppy Barlow was delivered stillborn on August 4th in London. Our focus now is giving her a beautiful funeral and loving our three children with all our hearts."
Fearne Cotton makes surprise baby announcement
 DJ and TV girl Fearne <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/08/08/fearne-cotton-pregnant-presenter-makes-surprise-baby-announceme/" target="_blank">announced she was pregnant in August</a>, just a year after starting a relationship with partner, Jesse Woods. The mum-to-be was awash with messages from her celeb friends, including Sara Cox, Mel C and Keith Lemon.
Tori Spelling gives birth to fourth child Finn - 10 months after daughter Hattie was born
 90210 star Tori <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/08/31/tori-spelling-gives-birth-to-fourth-child-finn-10-months-after-daughter-hattie/" target="_blank">welcomed baby number four, Finn, </a>10 months after giving birth to daughter Hattie. The American actress turned super-mum also revealed she found out she was pregnant with Finn just one month after welcoming her daughter. Fast. Work.
Harper Seven turns one!
 Victoria and David’s little girl celebrated her first birthday in July. The Beckhams had a bash fit for a Princess, and we celebrated with all the little lady’s <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/07/09/happy-birthday-harper-seven-beckham-victoria-david-daughter-turns-one/ " target="_blank">best bits (throwing up in Posh’s arms included). </a>
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise split
 TomKat <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/07/11/tom-cruise-and-katie-holmes-divorce-in-super-quick-time-for-suri/" target="_blank">called it quits</a> in the Summer of 2012, after five years of marriage. The couple, who are mum and dad to Suri, six, reached a divorce settlement in double-quick time, saying: “We are committed to working together as parents to accomplish what is in our daughter Suri's best interests.”
Mo Farah reveals the names of his beautiful twin girls
 Post-Olympic glory, Team GB hero Mo proudly showed off his <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/09/03/mo-farah-reveals-twins-girls-called-amani-and-aisha/" target="_blank">newborn twin girls Amani and Aisha,</a> who were born just after his huge success at the London Games. The two little girls are Mo’s first babies, but he is also step dad to wife Tania’s daughter Rihanna, 7.
Peaches Geldof's horror as Astala's buggy falls down a pothole!
 Poor Peaches was in the wrong place at the wrong time in early September when her buggy <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/09/10/peaches-geldof-horror-as-astala-buggy-falls-down-a-pothole-unpending-baby/" target="_blank">took a tumble thanks to a pothole in the street. </a>She was snapped struggling to get son Astala out of his buggy bother, but later took to Twitter to blast London major Boris Johnson about the state of pavements in the capital.
'I want two kids' Prince William tells schoolchildren
 Before the long-awaited <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/12/03/kate-middleton-pregnancy-confirmed-duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-expecting-first-baby/" target="_blank">official announcement </a>that Kate and Wills are expecting their first baby together, William set tongues wagging when he told a group of <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/09/12/i-want-two-kids-with-kate-middleton-says-prince-william/" target="_blank">schoolkids that he wanted two children</a> (and the power of invisibility, of course).
Jessica Simpson dresses her four-month-old baby daughter in a bikini
 Jessica Simpson came under fire when she <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/09/12/jessica-simpson-sparks-criticism-for-dressing-her-four-month-old-baby-daughter-maxwell-in-bikini/" target="_blank">dressed her four-month-old baby Maxwell Drew in a bikini</a> and showed the pictures on a TV show. Jessica displayed the picture of Maxwell wearing a yellow bikini stretched over her nappy during an interview with US TV host Katy Couric on her ABC show. But critics branded the photo 'wrong' and 'just awful'. And charity Kidscape waded in saying the star had sexualised her little girl in a 'totally inappropriate' outfit.
Outcry as gay actor Rupert Everett speaks out against gay dads
 We were pretty saddened by <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/09/17/outcry-as-homosexual-star-rupert-everett-says-i-cant-think-of-anything-worse-than-being-brought-up-by-two-gay-dads/" target="_blank">Rupert Everett’s comments in September</a>. The gay actor told a newspaper he couldn’t think ‘of anything worse than being brought up by two gay dads’. He told the Sunday Times: “Some people might not agree with that. Fine! That's just my opinion. I'm not speaking on behalf of the gay community. In fact, I don't feel like I'm part of any 'community'".
Robbie Williams announces arrival of baby daughter Teddy on Twitter
 Take That star Robbie became a first time dad in September, and <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/09/19/robbie-williams-announces-arrival-of-baby-daughter-teddy-theodora/" target="_blank">promptly showed off his beautiful new arrival</a>, baby Theodora (to be known as Teddy) online. Teddy is Rob and wife Ayda’s first baby together.
X Factor apology after Tulisa calls mum-of-two Melanie a MILF!
 X Factor host Dermot O’Leary had to apologise for judge Tulisa’s comments when she called <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/10/15/x-factor-apology-after-tulisa-calls-mum-of-two-melanie-a-milf/" target="_blank">mum-of-two contestant Melanie Masson a MILF on live TV</a>. The poor guy then got grief on Twitter for the apology, with fans saying it was ‘ridiculous’ to say sorry for the comment which is just a term of affection. What do you think?
'I am in hell': Chantelle Houghton breaks down in tears on This Morning sofa
 Chantelle and Alex Reid had a <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/10/26/chantelle-houghton-breaks-down-in-tears-on-this-morning-split-with-alex-reid/" target="_blank">very public break-up in 2012</a>, just a month after welcoming their first baby together, Dolly. There were slanging matches in the press, tears on the This Morning sofa and emotional scenes at their family home, with Chantelle bearing the brunt of press attention. Let’s hope 2013 is her year.
Peaches Geldof pregnant with second baby - and it's another boy
 Proud mum Peaches revealed she was <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/11/12/peaches-geldof-pregnant-with-second-baby-and-its-another-boy/" target="_blank">pregnant again at the beginning of November</a> - just six months after giving birth to son Astala. Peaches and husband Thomas Cohen said the news was ‘quite a shock’, but they could see the ‘massive benefits’ of having children close in age’.
David Walliams and Lara Stone expecting first baby
 David and Lara made us smile in November when they announced they were <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/11/15/david-walliams-and-lara-stone-expecting-first-baby/" target="_blank">expecting their first baby together</a>. David revealed the happy news with the cute message: “Some wonderful news. My beautiful wife Lara is pregnant. We are having a baby! It is due next year and we both couldn't be happier. Dx"
Peaches Geldof and Katie Price's war of words
 Celeb mum fight of the year goes to the spat between <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/11/19/peaches-geldof-and-katie-price-war-of-words/" target="_blank">Katie Price (boo) and Peaches Geldof (yay!)</a>. Katie hit out at Peaches’ parenting skills, and criticised her for allowing her dog near son Astala. Peaches hit back on Twitter, saying: “Funny that Katie Price aka ‘Jordan’ (lol) thinks that I shouldn't allow my gentle, sweet golden retriever dog near his best friend my son. <div> </div> <div> "I could say the same thing to her about letting some of the multitude of ‘boyfriends’ she has near her kids. They all seem to be more vicious and far less intelligent than my dog will ever be.”</div> <div> </div>
Rochelle and Marvin Humes, expecting first baby!
 After cooing over band mate Una’s gorgeous daughter Aoife, Saturdays singer <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/11/22/the-saturdays-star-rochelle-and-jls-singer-marvin-humes-expecting-first-baby/" target="_blank">Rochelle announced she was expecting her first baby</a> with husband Marvin in November. The pair posted matching messages online, with Rochelle writing: “I wanted to be the first to tell you...we have some exciting news to share! Marvin and I could NOT be more thrilled to announce that we are expecting our first child mid next year.”
Jessica Simpson 'pregnant with second child' just seven months after giving birth!
 Seven months after <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/05/01/jessica-simpson-finally-gives-birth-to-first-baby/" target="_blank">giving birth to daughter Maxwell Drew</a>, Jess was rumoured to be pregnant AGAIN, with American magazine US Weekly <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/11/28/jessica-simpson-pregnant-with-second-child-just-seven-months-after-giving-birth-maxwell-drew/" target="_blank">exclusively ‘revealing’ the pregnancy</a>, saying the star was ‘stunned and ecstatic’. We bet she was…
'I'm A Celebrity...' star Charlie Brooks in tears after missing out on cuddles with daughter Kiki
 Jungle executives pulled a cruel stunt on EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks when she <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/11/28/im-a-celebrity-star-charlie-brooks-in-tears-after-missing-cuddles-daughter-kiki/" target="_blank">took part (and later won)</a> I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of Here! They shipped her young daughter Kiki, 7, out to the set, but didn’t let Charlie see her when she failed a task. Charlie later broke down in tears, but was given a letter and later a phone call with her little girl.
Coronation Street actress announces third pregnancy - as her character faces infertility
 Coronation Street actress Katy Cavanagh <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/12/03/coronation-street-actress-katy-cavanagh-announces-third-pregnancy-as-her-character-faces-infertility/" target="_blank">gave bosses a bit of a headache in December</a> when she announced she was pregnant…just as her character Julie was told she could never have babies! Cue strategically placed tables and enormous handbags on set…
Kate and William expecting first baby
 We couldn't do a 2012 review without the biggie of the year. Yes, the Duke and Duchess are <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/12/03/kate-middleton-pregnancy-confirmed-duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-expecting-first-baby/" target="_blank">expecting their first baby together!</a>
Lily Allen names her baby Ethel
 Lily kept the name of her daughter secret for weeks, but her mum Alison let the cat out of the bag in early 2012, revealing her daughter had <a href="http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/01/04/lily-allen-names-her-baby-ethel/ " target="_blank">named her new arrival Ethel Mary</a>. Makes a nice change from Apple and Dolly, eh?