Britain’s best-loved, most glamorous ballerina is three months away from one of the most testing performances of her life. For Darcey Bussell and Angus Forbes, her City banker husband of four years, are about to have their first baby. And the famously ambitious ballerina, now in her 12th year as a principal dancer for the Royal Ballet, has put her career on hold in preparation for the big day in July. Now six months pregnant, Darcey can’t say enough about her impending motherhood – she exudes happiness and there is a tell-tale glow as she poses, all smiles, with husband Angus at London’s Savoy Hotel, exclusively for HELLO!.

When did you learn you were pregnant?

“It was November 17 and the first morning in our new house. I took a pregnancy test and when I saw the positive result I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this.’ I also thought, ‘Lucky house.’ I decided to tell Angus when he got home from work. We were having champagne to celebrate our first night in the house anyway, so I subtly added an extra toast. Angus was thrilled. We were incredibly happy.”

What is your dearest wish for this child?

“That we can give it what it wants without it becoming a spoilt brat. But then, I was a spoilt brat and I didn’t turn out too badly!”

To read the full interview with the pregnant Royal Ballet star, the new issue of HELLO! is on sale now.