Kelly Brook and Thom Evans lose their baby

MODEL, television presenter and actress Kelly Brook has lost the baby she was expecting with former Scotland rugby international Thom Evans.

Yesterday friends of the couple said they were "devastated" after learning that 31-year-old Brook had suffered a miscarriage almost five months into the pregnancy.

The couple announced on social networking website Twitter last month that they were expecting a girl .

Spokesman Jonathan Hackford said: "Kelly Brook and Thom Evans have sadly lost their baby. They request that everyone respect their privacy."

Last night the couple were at Brook's farmhouse in Kent, where her mother Sandra was helping to console her.

A friend said: "Kelly is absolutely devastated. She has always wanted children and a family and although she hasn't been with Thom long, they were so excited about becoming parents.

"Now all those dreams are shattered and poor Kelly is inconsolable. Thom is being a tower of strength to her, but he's grieving too."

Last night showbiz friends of the couple expressed their sympathy on Twitter.

Actress and presenter Denise Van Outen wrote: "That's awful news. I'm so sad for them x".

Singer Michelle Heaton wrote: "Just awful news about Kelly Brook. It's happening far too frequently these days, I can't even imagine the hurt."

Former Big Breakfast presenter Brook and 26-year-old Evans were photographed earlier this month walking hand in hand through the streets of London after announcing the pregnancy.

In a recent interview the model turned actress said she was convinced Evans was "the one".

"I love Thom and Thom loves me," she said. "We love being together. It is as simple as that."

The couple had been inseparable since meeting at a party in London last November

Zimbabwe-born Evans was capped ten times for Scotland and played for the Glasgow Warriors between 2006 and 2010. His brother Max also plays for Scotland and the Glasgow Warriors.

Evans, who was known as the pin-up of Scottish rugby, was forced to retire early after a devastating injury that almost left him paralysed.The full-back was stretchered from the pitch during a Six Nations Game against Wales in February 2010 after he collided with Welsh player Lee Byrne.

It was later revealed that his neck vertebrae had been so badly damaged he was just millimetres away from being paralysed.

Four months after the accident he announced he had been advised to retire from the game, which player and mentor Roger Baird described as "a huge loss for Scottish rugby".

Brook, who has starred in films such as School For Seduction and last year's Piranha 3-D, previously dated actors Jason Statham and Billy Zane, and a two-year relationship with another rugby star, England international Danny Cipriani, ended last summer.

However, she said her relationship with Evans was the happiest and most stable of her life.

In a recent interview Brook said her pregnancy had not been planned.

She said: "That is what happens when you are in love It wasn't a plan, but if it happened, it happened. We were boyfriend and girlfriend.

"This baby is not the result of me suddenly becoming broody because I have hit my 30s. It is simply that I have met someone that I am happy to share that responsibility with."

Brook wrote last month: "Thom and I are happy to announce we're expecting a baby girl. We are delighted."