Recalling the day David, 30, told his mum and dad Posh was pregnant, Ted tells how they dashed to Heathrow airport to meet him after his red card madness in France had scuppered England's hopes of victory.

He writes: "He was desperate to join Victoria in America, where she was on tour with the Spice Girls.

"When we finally got through to see David, he looked terrible ... pale, drawn and utterly exhausted. He hadn't slept at all.

"We talked briefly about the game but then he just said, 'I've got some news, Dad, about me and Victoria'. 'Yes, mate?' 'I'm going to be a dad. Victoria's having a baby.'"

Ted says: "We didn't really know what to say. Of course, we were thrilled with the idea of him becoming a father but he'd known Victoria for less than a year and they were living their lives so much in the public eye, that we were worried about the future.

"'Don't you think it's a bit soon, son?' 'These things happen, dad.'