EXCLUSIVE: Matthew Newton says he's 'thrilled' for sister Lauren and her fourth pregnancy... and insists he has not relied on his famous family for money 'in years'

By Jennifer Smith For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 18:08 EST, 21 September 2015 | Updated: 20:19 EST, 21 September 2015

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Bert Newton's troubled son Matthew has congratulated his estranged sister on her fourth pregnancy, saying he is 'thrilled there will be a new addition' to his famous family.

The 38-year-old was full of praise for his sibling, gushing that she is a 'wonderful' mother to her three young children.

Dispelling claims he has been seeking psychiatric care in New York, the writer added he has been in 'excellent' health for years and no longer relied on his parents financially.

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'I'm thrilled': Matthew Newton congratulated his sister Lauren on her fourth pregnancy, describing her as a 'wonderful mum'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia exclusively, Matthew said: 'I am so happy for Lauren. She's a wonderful mum and we are all proud of her.

'I am tied up with advanced film and theatre commitments right now but I adore my nephew Sam and my nieces Eva and Lola and I'm thrilled there will be another addition to the family.'

Dispelling speculation over his stability, he continued: 'I read somewhere that I rely on my family for money and that I have had health lapses.

'It's just not true. I have been in excellent health for the last three years and I haven't needed financial help from my family nor have I had any money from them since I came to the USA, or even for years before that.'

Famous family: Bert (centre) poses for a photo with his family (clockwise from bottom) grandson Sam, wife Patty, son-in-law Matthew Welsh and daughter Lauren in 2008

On Monday, a representative for the Newton family dismissed claims that Lauren tried for a fourth child to bring her parents joy after years of 'heartbreak'.

Both Bert and his wife Patti have needed medical treatment in the last five years, with the presenter undergoing life-saving heart surgery in 2012.

A source claimed the pair had also been rocked by Matthew's apparent ill mental health and that their daughter wanted to give them another grandchild.

Trouble: Both Bert and wife Pattie have undergone medical treatment in the past five years, with the presenter requiring life-saving heart surgery in 2012

Dismissing the claims, a family spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'Lauren and Matthew actually always wanted four children,' a representative for Bert and Patti told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's ludicrous to think that a couple would have a child to cheer family members up.'

Matthew moved to New York several years ago after admitting his struggle with bipolar disorder. It came after he was charged with assault following an altercation with former girlfriend Brooke Satchwell.

At the time accusations were heard in court that Matthew had threatened the actress's mother. He was also accused of assaulting another ex-girlfriend, model Rachael Taylor, in the foyer of a Rome hotel.