The Block star Mat Johnson has announced that he is expecting his first child together with his close friend Leah Cocks, after years of trying.

“I have always wanted to be a dad, especially in this later part of my life,” Mat said in an interview with New Idea.

“I didn’t know if I was ready at that stage of my life, and I think I was terrified because I have a very good life that I worked decades to be able to have.”

Mat and Leah met 20 years ago at the hairdresser’s Adelaide salon, and have since developed a strong friendship.

“With hairdressing, you can form relationships with people and bonds, especially after years and lots of beautiful conversations,” Mat said.

After seven years of medical roadblocks, Leah found out she was pregnant after a round of IVF, during the first week of filming The Block.

The duo, who are expecting to welcome their baby boy in December, plan to co-parent.

“I wouldn’t have done it with just anyone. It’s only because it’s her,” Mat said.

Leah only revealed that she was pregnant after Mat finished filming the show, and at that point she was three months pregnant.

“I was so nervous,” Leah told New Idea, “After Mat returned, I booked in to get my hair done.”

“It was the very last appointment that he had for the day, and I sat there in my baggy clothes and gave him a card. It had the ultrasound in it, and Mat just looked at me and said, ‘Congratulations!’”

The 41-year-old took to Instagram to share the moment he told his family that he’s going to be a dad, with a clip of him handing a shopping bag with a blue baby onesie to his loved ones.

“I’m having a baby! You’re going to be a granny, and you’re going to be an aunty!” he told his mum and sister.

Mat’s post has since been flooded with messages of support from his friends and co-stars, with The Block host Shelley Craft writing: “Aaaammmmaaazzzzinnggg NEWS!!!” 

“SURPRISE!!! I’m so f**king excited for my Block bestie,” Mat’s co-star Alicia wrote in a post shared to her Instagram story.

“You’re going to be the most amazing Dad! We can’t wait to meet our new little mate!” she added.

“Hair daddy is gonna be an ACTUAL DADDY!” one follower commented.

“Another Block baby!” another follower added.

Images: Instagram