Former Miss Scotland and the current Miss UK International 2011 Nicola Mimnagh (photo left) told of her joy after revealing she's three months pregnant.

The 24-year-old beauty queen is expecting her first child with Rangers star boyfriend Kyle Lafferty.

She said: "It's been a year full of surprises. Kyle and I are absolutely thrilled."

The couple - who have been dating since November last year - had been talking about having kids since moving into a plush £1million lovenest on the outskirts of Glasgow in February.

And last night grinning Northern Irish ace Kyle, 23, said: "We are ecstatic. We haven't stopped smiling since we found out about the baby.

"It's the icing on the cake for a wonderful year. My life completely changed the moment I met Nicola.

"Our families and friends are delighted for us. It's been really hard keeping it secret, we wanted to tell everyone, but I guess now the cat's out the bag!"

Nicola, of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, confirmed the baby is due around Christmas.

It's capped an amazing year for the politics graduate after she was crowned Miss Scotland and Miss UK.

She said: "I don't believe in doing things by halves! Life's full of surprises and this is one of those but it's a lovely one.

"I'm looking forward to it. Kyle and I come from large families."

The couple admitted they don't know if it's a boy or a girl.

But Nicola joked: "I hope he or she has my intelligence - and Kyle's sporting abilities."

Meanwhile, Nicola is automatically disqualified at the Miss International 2011 competition. Her replacement will be announced soon.