Has One Direction's Louis Tomlinson welcomed a baby boy?

One Direction fans were sent into a frenzy on Friday (22Jan16) by rumours that Louis Tomlinson has become a father.

The 24-year-old singer confirmed last year (15) that he was expecting a baby with long-time friend Briana Jungwirth. The Los Angeles-based stylist's due date had been thought to be this month, and a Twitter picture of her baby bump shared recently showed her ready to pop.

The reports that baby Tomlinson has made his arrival began when a 1D fan Twitter account @1DExclusiveInfo posted the news, writing: "Briana's grandmother confirmed that the baby is a boy."

A further post from an account in the name of Briana's grandmother Marianna Case read: "Louis just let Ur heart dance. U now have another you. A gift that will want to be just like YOU (sic).

"Love him & my young grandchild that gave him to you. LET her know she's special. She just wanted to love U not even knowing who U were or your profile Ur & reputation. Be free & just LIVE. It's simple. Not complex."

Louis has so far remained silent on the claims, with his last Twitter post coming on January 20 when he wrote: "Hope everyone's doing good!"

The singer is reported to now be dating actress Danielle Campbell, but a source recently revealed he is determined to be the best father he can be - by supporting Briana and his baby in any way he can.

"Although they're not romantically involved, Louis thinks Briana is a great woman and will be a fabulous mother," an insider told MailOnline.

"Louis has been helping Briana financially and is prepared to get stuck in with all the tasks that caring for a baby demands."

Briana has struggled at some points during her pregnancy, and in December (15) she posted a video clip from vlogger Jaclyn Hill to her private Instagram page, which she said represented how she was feeling at the time.

In the footage, Jaclyn is seen saying: 'I feel like a lot of people forget that I have blood in my veins. I cry when I'm sad. I bleed when I get cut, and I'm a real person."

Underneath the post, Briana is said to have written: "I felt the need to share it with all of you. I've found a lot of things Jaclyn says in this video relatable and important."