Joel Madden, father of Nicole Richie’s baby, has been talking about how overjoyed he is at the prospect of being a parent.

The Good Charlotte front man told People: "Having a baby is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me, and to us.”

As for the reports that he and his girlfriend are experiencing a bit of turmoil in their relationship, he said: "[We're] really happy. Everything else that the others have printed has been completely false."

Nicole also had some steam to let off about the allegations that she has been smoking while pregnant. "False and unsubstantiated. The healthy birth of my child is my No. 1 priority."

Having just been on tour with Good Charlotte in Australia, the pair had "a great little getaway" in Thailand, where, he says, "We had a great time."

And with the little baby expected in January, Madden said: "Now we're just getting home, getting settled in L.A. and getting ready."