Sometimes Britain really does seem like the land beyond the looking glass. Rebekah Brooks, the former editor of News of the World who is facing charges over phone hacking at the defunct tabloid, is in the headlines of London papers again. The tough-as-nails journalist, who looks a bit like a grown-up Hermione Granger, the female lead in the Harry Potter series, has announced that she and her horse trainer husband are expecting a baby in February. Or rather, their surrogate mother is.

Mrs Brooks, 43, and Charlie Brooks, 48, married in March 2009. Not ideal ages to have a child (it was her second marriage). According to her spokesman:

"Whilst the pregnancy has not been without its difficulties and sadness, Charlie and Rebekah are obviously hoping for a very happy ending to almost five years of trying to conceive themselves. Both parents are acutely aware of the infertility problems encountered by many other couples and in the longer term hope to recognise their good fortune by working in some way to help other couples facing similar challenges."

It is understood that the surrogate mother was expecting twins but that one died early in the pregnancy. Nothing is known about this woman – but no doubt Mrs Brooks's colleagues at the Daily Mail or The Sun will soon enlighten us. Wait for the exclusive interviews. They will certainly boost the profile of surrogacy in the UK. ~ Guardian, Nov 17;