There's still been no official confirmation. But there was more evidence this week to suggest that Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is pregnant.

The former model was congratulated on her rumoured pregnancy by a host when she appeared on French TV.

She adeptly avoided commenting on the reports by smiling and saying: "I congratulate you too".

Carla, who was wearing a black suit and blue shirt in which she looked a little fuller around the middle - pulled out of appearing at the Cannes Film Festival citing "personal reasons".

Earlier this month she said she would "remain tight-lipped" on whether she was expecting, to protect the career of her husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The couple are said to be preparing to welcome twins this autumn.

In pictures: How Carla became a model wife

Photo: © Rex Features