Former AFL star Jeremy Laidler and Channel 7 newsreader Jeremy and Amber Laidler have welcomed their first child into the world eight weeks earlier than expected.

The pair, who married in 2017, said hello to baby Will amid a flurry of congratulations after the surprise early birth.

Amber, the 2011 Miss World Australia, had shared some photos of her baby bump in recent months then took to Instagram to announce the arrival of the couple’s son.

“Our darling boy Will Richie Laidler who simply couldn’t wait any longer and joined us 8 weeks early yesterday afternoon," she wrote on Instagram.

“He’ll now spend a few weeks in the special care nursery while we try to understand how it’s possible to love one tiny human so very, very much”.

Jeremy, who works as the Swans VFL coach after an 87-game career between three clubs including Geelong, Carlton and Sydney, also took to social media to announce his son’s birth.

“Will Richie Laidler — The most incredible (and obviously impatient) little boy that brought so much joy our lives already. Amber did such an amazing job and I could not be more proud of her!!” he wrote on Instagram.

The reaction was swift.

Fellow Miss World Australia winner turned Seven presenter Erin Holland commented: “Heart can’t cope. So proud of you! Welcome to the world darling boy.”

Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew wrote: “What a little trooper. Couldn’t wait to join the world xx.”

“So cute!! Congratulations guys – hope you’re all going well,” presenter Matt Shirvington added.

The Morning Show host Kylie Gillies said: “Congratulations. What a glorious early surprise.”

Geelong star Joel Selwood added: ‘Congratulations guys!”

The Swans also posted about Will’s arrival: “A big congratulations to @Laids & @amberlaidler7 on the arrival of little Will”.

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