http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12084650

Elton John and his partner have become parents to a son born to a surrogate mother in California. Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John was born on Christmas Day, the UK musician and his Canadian husband David Furnish told the Usmagazine.com website.

“Zachary is healthy and doing really well, and we are very proud and happy parents,” said the couple.

They provided no details about the surrogacy arrangement.

“We are overwhelmed with happiness and joy at this very special moment,” the couple told the website in a statement.

They said the boy weighed 7lb15oz (3.6kg).

A representative for the couple said they intended to protect and respect the privacy of the surrogate mother, and would not be discussing any details relating to the surrogacy arrangements.

Last year, the couple, who were married in 2005 after 12 years together, tried to adopt an orphan in Ukraine.

However, Ukrainian officials said Elton, 62, was too old and his civil partnership with Mr Furnish, 48, would not be recognised as a marriage by Kiev.

Related stories

• Elton ‘cannot adopt in Ukraine’ 14 SEPTEMBER 2009, ENTERTAINMENT