Hugh Grant praises 'baby mama'

Hugh Grant heaped praise on the mother of his baby daughter during a TV interview in the US on Thursday in an effort to address criticism aimed at her by the Chinese media.

During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which aired on Friday, the movie star revealed his former girlfriend, Chinese model Tinglan Hong, has been hurt by nasty comments in the press, accusing her of abandoning the couple's child, Tabitha.

Grant said, "She's a brilliant mother, wonderful. I have to say that because the whole Chinese press has decided that she's abandoned the baby.

"She texted me earlier and said, 'Please say on national American television I'm a wonderful mother.'"

And the actor proved he's great with kids when he sat down for a chat with DeGeneres' young English regulars Sophia Grace and Rosie over tea.

The two little girls shared jokes with the star on the show and talked about his new movie The Pirates! Band of Misfits.