Freddy Brazier practices for being a dad as he plans sweet tribute to mum Jade

Dad-to-be Freddy Brazier says he plans to call his baby Jade after his mum if he has a girl.

The 21-year-old has opened up for the first time ahead of becoming a first-time parent next year, with his former girlfriend expecting in April. He says he can't wait to be a father and says the ex-couple will be working together to bring up the tot despite not being together.

Freddy's relationship with his dad has became strained of late due to his legal battle with Freddy and Bobby's grandmother Jackiey Budden but he says he is happy to be a grandfather a 46. Jeff had Freddy and his brother Bobby with the Big Brother legend Jade before their split. She tragically died from cervical cancer aged 29 in 2009.

READ MORE: Freddy Brazier is all smiles as he steps out in first public appearance after baby news

READ MORE: Bobby Brazier 'didn't know what to believe' as younger brother Freddy to become a dad

He got some practice in ahead of the baby's arrival. He took to Instagram to upload a Story of himself keeping a tot company and the adorable youngster was clearly impressed by his daddy-skills, giggling away as Freddy gives the little one's belly a little rub in its cots.

Freddy has now spoken of his plan to honour his mum. “ I think Jade would be a good name, if it's a girl, after my mum," he told The Sun. "But I have some unique and nice name ideas too. The baby is due next year, in April, it's really exciting, I can’t wait to be a father. I'm really happy, I want the baby to love its life."

His said brother Bobby is "a bit shocked" before adding that he has the "full support" of his family. Freddy went to live with his maternal grandmother, which caused issues within the family. In a recent claim, Freddy stated that Jackiey was the one who got him "hooked on drugs", when he was only 12 years old. Jeff relied on legal support to stop them from seeing each other.

The lad turned 21 last month and his TV presenter dad uploaded a reel of throwback images of the pair to mark the occasion. He also shared a lengthy message in which he told his son he has a "feeling your 21st year will be a special one." Jeff wrote on Instagram: "Happy 21st Birthday to our Freddy," along with a red love heart emoji.

"What adventures we’ve had! Incredible memories made and challenges we’ve faced. So many lessons and there can’t be much you haven’t taught me about being a Dad!" He went on: "We’re always going to be here with hearts full of love and chests full of pride.

"The destination will be so sweet for you and so deserved, there are lots of different paths and I’ll always be walking along side you on yours no matter how many times you ignore the sat-nav." And Jeff signed off: "I have a feeling your 21st year will be a special one."

The father and son, who appeared on Celebrity Race Across the World last year, were thought to be estranged earlier this year. A source told The Mail on Sunday: "It has blindsided him and has been one of the things that has really brought him and his dad back together, but it's so devastating that Jade isn't here to see it."

They added: "Jeff was one of the first people he decided to confide in to ask for advice. He stepped up straight away and wanted to help in any way he could." Following the news, Jeff teased that he was looking for parenting advice himself. He shared a photo of himself sat on a sofa and Freddy appeared to be lying beside him.

Jeff wrote in the caption: "If someone could send me that parenting guidebook, particularly 'early adult years the unconventional path', that would be really helpful, thanks." He included an emoji blowing a kiss and a laughing emoji in the caption.

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