Comedian welcomes fourth child, a baby girl named Holland Juliette, after surprise birth

Comedian Katherine Ryan has welcomed her fourth child — a baby girl named Holland Juliette Kootstra. The 42-year-old star and her husband Bobby Kootstra shared the joyful news with fans on Sunday, marking the latest addition to their growing family.

Bobby announced the birth on Instagram, posting a heartwarming message alongside a photo of the newborn.

“Holland Juliette Kootstra has arrived. The ‘Patrick Mahomes’ of childbirth pulled out another MVP performance! Amazing to witness the greatness of @kathbum #blessed,” he wrote, praising his wife’s strength during labour.

The couple, who married in a civil partnership ceremony in 2019, are already parents to Fred, four, and Fenna, two. Katherine also has a teenage daughter, Violet, 15, from a previous relationship.

The birth announcement comes after the Duchess star had earlier hinted that she believed she was expecting a boy. Speaking to Heart Radio during her pregnancy, Katherine joked about her mixed feelings.

“I’m quite big, so I think it might be a boy,” she said. “I’m feeling dejected about that because men have just antagonised me all my life — even before they’re born!”

Despite her suspicions, the Canadian-born comedian chose not to find out the baby’s sex ahead of time, saying she prefers the surprise.

“It’s always a surprise, and I love that. It’s vintage,” she told listeners.

The couple have built a reputation for their playful honesty about family life. Katherine often shares humorous and candid insights into motherhood — from sleepless nights to the chaos of raising young children alongside a teenager.

Speaking previously on the Nearly Parents podcast with Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, Katherine admitted that having young children has tested her relationship with Bobby.

“It really tests your relationship,” she said. “You used to be the most important person in each other’s lives, and you cease to be the most important person. There’s a shift in roles and responsibilities and focus. You’re both tired and hungry and sleep-deprived — that’s how they torture prisoners!”

She added with characteristic humour: “I haven’t slept in four years, but I’m kind of fine with it.”

Fans and fellow comedians were quick to congratulate the couple following Bobby’s announcement. Many praised the baby’s “beautiful name,” while others remarked on Katherine’s unflappable wit and openness about parenting.

Holland’s name follows the couple’s pattern of distinctive choices — with all of Katherine’s children having strong, individual names. The new arrival joins a lively household that Katherine often features on social media and in her stand-up routines.

Katherine and Bobby’s relationship has been described as one of the entertainment industry’s most heartwarming stories. The pair were high-school sweethearts in Canada before reuniting decades later, when Katherine was filming a television project in her hometown of Sarnia, Ontario. They rekindled their romance and have since built a family together in the UK.

The comedian, who rose to fame through appearances on Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats and her Netflix sitcom The Duchess, has become one of Britain’s most recognisable stand-up voices. Known for her sharp humour and feminist perspective, she has also been vocal about the challenges of motherhood in her 40s.

“Being an older mum is amazing,” she said in a recent interview. “I have more patience, I care less about what people think, and I appreciate the chaos more than I ever did before.”

Katherine is expected to take a brief break from work commitments following the birth before returning to live comedy in 2026. She has several projects in development, including a follow-up to The Duchess and new appearances on panel shows later in the year.

For now, though, she’s focused on enjoying life with her four children and her husband. As she once joked, “My house is loud, messy, and full of love — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”