LARS ULRICH and CONNIE NIELSEN

The Danish-born couple have been dating for nearly two years.

Nielsen's representative, JOY LIMANON, confirms the baby is due next summer (07) adding, "They are ecstatic."

GLADIATOR star Nielsen, 42, has a 16-year-old son, SEBASTIAN, from a previous marriage.

Ulrich, also has sons from a previous marriage - MYLES, 8 and LAYNE, 5.

Source: WENN