Comedian Joe Lycett's dramatic U-turn on parenthood after confusing fans

Joe Lycett once publicly stated that he was too 'self-absorbed' too have children seven years before announcing the arrival of his first child last week with mystery girlfriend

Comedian Joe Lycett's dramatic U-turn on parenthood has been revealed after his baby announcement.

The 36-year-old comedian, stunned social media followers last week after he posted that he and his mystery girlfriend "Denise" had welcomed a baby, as many thought it was a prank. And to make matters worse, Joe further fuelled the prank story when he said that he was giving the rights of the first picture of his child to the car dealership magazine, Autotrader.

Back in 2017 in a Guardian column titled Help! I'm almost 30 and my friends are procreating like humanity depends on it!, Joe said he was far too 'self-absorbed' to be a dad.

He said: "Next year I turn 30, as do most of my friends, so it's all aboard the baby train for ol' Lycett and pals. I'm obviously not having any – I'm partnerless, rudderless and largely self-absorbed. I don't want a little Oliver/Olivia parasite running about eating my biscuits."

He added: "My friends, on the other hand, are procreating like humanity depends on it, and it doesn't." He then revealed that he smashed his glass in shock when his pals informed him that they were planning on having a baby. But it seems as though Joe's harsh words on parenting may have been all smoke and mirrors as he later said: "I think I'd make a great dad, but just not yet, and I can't see myself being ready in the next 3-400 years. It's just that I've got so much other stuff I want to do first, like take a three-hour bath every day and write totally idiotic jokes the whole time."

The flamboyant comedian is well known for being a prankster, so when he mentioned Autotrader in his baby announcement last week, many believed it was just another joke. At the time he wrote: "We will not be taking any press requests about this as we have already sold the rights to the first family picture to Autotrader."

Under the announcement the publication said: "Congratulations again Joe! We can't wait to publish the photos of Mini Cooper Lycett." But it looks as though it wasn't a prank at all as the car brand has launched a new digital family photo uploading project across its website.

Parents are now able to share images of their family life, a campaign which Joe appears to be involved in. The company officially said: "@joelycett has announced we're now in the family photo business! While we usually trade in cars, we couldn't resist a little side hustle. Coming soon: the most exclusive family photo album around…#TinyTrader."

And a spokesperson added: "After our news became public knowledge, we've had to move quickly to keep up with the demand and are pleased to announce the launch of our Family Photo Gallery. What better way to show off your new pride and joy than on a platform that has over 80 million visitors each month. We hope everyone enjoys the photos and are inspired to browse for a new car while they're with us." This comes after Joe hit back at fans for assuming that he was only attracted to men when in fact he is pansexual.

He recently informed his followers about his sexuality. Taking to social media he said: "I've seen a lot of misinformation being spread around over the last few days about pansexuality so I thought I'd explain it properly. Pansexuality is actually closely linked with the pangolin (made famous as the intermediary host of SARS-CoV2) and is actually nothing to do with gender or any of that woke stuff but mating rituals which are primarily to do with smell and are strictly seasonal."

He continued: "If someone tells you they are pansexual then make sure to look at their nostrils, particularly in late spring, because there's a good chance they are sniffing around for a mate (at peak season they can pick up smells up to 80 miles away unless they have a sinus infection which they are prone to)."

He added: "Generally the smells they are attracted to are blueberry flavour disposable vapes, alpro soy milk (unsweetened), nail varnish remover and coins, but some really like chicken jalfrezi (NEVER, EVER put a lamb korma near a pansexual). I hope that clears things up xxxx."

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