Katherine Jenkins and Jewish husband Andrew Levitas welcome first son, Xander

Katherine Jenkins has announced the birth of her second child, Xander.

The opera star, 37, and her Jewish artist husband Andrew Levitas, are already parents to daughter Aaliyah.

She shared a picture of the newborn’s hand on Twitter and wrote: “Andrew, Aaliyah and I are proud to announce the arrival of our gorgeous son Xander Robert Selwyn Levitas.

“His middle names honour our late fathers who live on in our little ‘Defender of Men’ (Meaning of Xander).

“Our family, our home and are hearts could not be more full of love and we are incredibly grateful for the gift of being parents to these beautiful children. Cwtches to you all xxx”

Mezzo-soprano and Songs Of Praise presenter Jenkins and Levitas, a film-maker and artist, became first-time parents in September 2015.

The couple tied the knot the previous year in a ceremony at Hampton Court Palace.

Announcing her engagement in 2014, Jenkins said she was keen to learn more about her fiancee’s Jewish faith.

She said “I’ve spent my life up until 18 attending church regularly and that will always be my background and I will always really appreciate that in my life going forward as well.

“But I think it is very interesting to learn about another faith and to respect that, and to understand it.

“This is a side of my partner, so of course I’m going to learn about that.”

Levitas expressed similar sentiments during an interview with Jewish News.

“We were never religious as such, but the family was very spiritual and celebrating the customs and traditions of the religion is what brought us together. It helped that wine was an important element!

“Katherine knows all about my religion and understands the Jewish customs, but ultimately for both of us family is the most important thing and celebrating any religious holiday together is important to us.”