Old-age fatherhood takes its toll on Gambon, Simpson and Dimbleby

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Try telling that to this lot of rather exhausted-looking new, or rather old, fathers.

For Sir Michael Gambon, 66, and John Simpson and Jonathan Dimbleby, both 62, the strain of starting a second family late in life is clearly taking a toll.

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Lunch-time nap: John Simpson at a restaurant

Taking a breather: Sir Michael Gambon rests on a park bench with his partner and their two-week-old baby at the weekend

Sir Michael was pictured at the weekend with his partner, Philippa Hart, 42, taking their two-week-old baby out for stroll.

The Bafta-winning actor, who played Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, doubtless feels the same pride as any father.

But slumped on a park bench in West London, he displays a weariness perhaps born more of age than late nights.

Sir Michael, who has not disclosed the name or sex of his child, is not new to fatherhood.

It is more than 40 years since his wife Anne gave birth to their son. But staunch Roman Catholic beliefs mean he is unlikely to divorce his wife and marry the film producer.

Simpson appears to be finding it even more difficult to keep up with the pace of modern fatherhood.

Lunching in Chelsea with his 43-yearold wife, Dee, the BBC's World Affairs Editor nodded off -perhaps feeling the strain of broken nights caring for his one-year-old son.

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Already tired: Jonathan Dimbleby and his wife

Simpson, who also has two grown-up children, has spoken of his determination to be a hands-on father second time around.

Shortly before the birth, he declared: "It will be one of the great pleasures of fatherhood to take my son around London, as my father took me, showing him the places that Dr Johnson and Dickens and Sherlock Holmes knew.

"The great thing we can offer as older parents is the realisation that fun is just about the most important thing in life.

"When he finally comes, it will draw a line under the unhappiness and pain of the past."

For Dimbleby, who also has two grown-up children, the mere prospect of fatherhood appears to be tiring.

Walking hand in hand with his pregnant 31-year-old wife, Jessica Ray, the presenter could do little to hide his puffy eyes and wilting expression.