Reality star Pauly D has become a ''proud'' father.

The 'Jersey Shore' hunk announced he recently fathered a daughter, called Amabella, with a woman he met while DJing in Las Vegas.

He told MailOnline: ''I'm proud I'm a father. I am excited to embark on this new part of my life.''

The tiny tot is now a few months old and has been living with her 26-year-old mother in Atlantic City, New Jersey, InTouch is reporting. The news was confirmed thanks to DNA test.

His former co-star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi was quick to congratulate her Italian 'Guido' friend and is delighted her baby son Lorenzo will have a playmate.

She told Us Magazine: ''YAY so happy for Pauly!! Now Lorenzo has a girlfriend! Pauly will be an amazing father.''

Meanwhile Jenni 'JWoww' Farley enthused to EOnline: ''I just heard! I'm so happy for him I just texted him. Crying! He's going to be the best dad ever!''

Pauly, 33, is famed for his obsession with ''gym, tan, laundry'' and his constant party lifestyle, which was captured on camera for MTV show 'Jersey Shore' from 2009 to 2012.

The star - whose real name is Paul Delvecchio - has managed to cash in on his fame since the show ended, raking up a $11million fortune in 2011 from his DJ sets.