Why a big family is latest A-list must-have

the age of five has been such a breeze for Kim Kardashian, 38, she and Kanye, 41, are having a fourth.

Abbey Clancy, 32, and footballer Peter Crouch, 37, are also expecting a fourth because “a hat-trick just won’t do”.

Coleen and Wayne Rooney welcomed their fourth son two years ago, while Katie Price says she would like to add to her gaggle of five.

So, is a big brood the ultimate celebrity status symbol? Why? Are some mothers simply in love with the feeling of being “mum”?

And if you adore the unconditional love of a baby in the cold world of showbiz, why not have another... and another... and another?

Or is it because only fit, healthy couples with meticulously organised lives can cope with the chaos of having so many little monsters.

Even Jamie Oliver couldn’t help getting involved when he spoke of having more children than fellow chef Gordon.

“Boys will always fight and butt heads but Tana was mortified. I mean really mortified,” Gordon said of his remarks.

Then there’s the Instagram-perfect family – David and Victoria Beckham and their four kids.

Pictures of his six-pack have become the norm. It’s posts of Victoria baking unicorn biscuits with daughter Harper that leaves us saying: “How does she do it?”. The more children, the greater our admiration.

If you’ve heard of Helena Morrissey, it’s probably not because of the 51-year-old’s role as head of personal investing at Legal & General but because of her nine children. Never mind the financial deals she’s brokering, she gets up at 5am and spends her weekends baking. In a world where money doesn’t matter, nor do age gaps.

The 17 years between Gordon and

GORDON RAMSAY ON THE DELIGHTS OF FATHERHOOD