Rumours that Heath Ledger fathered an illegitimate child have been blown completely out of proportion, claims his uncle Mike.

As Entertainmentwise previously reported, the late actor was allegedly involved in an affair with a woman when he was aged 17 and she was 25, resulting in a daughter who is now aged 11.

The Brokeback Mountain star’s uncle spoke to Us magazine to clear up any misunderstandings. When asked how the rumours began, he explained: My brother Haydn said that anything is possible, and from there, it just went absolutely berserk.

“Haydn was asked a question that wasn't directly related to the Heath issue: 'If someone was this age, could it be possible?' and Haydn said 'Anything is possible,' and that’s it. His statement was absolutely taken out of context. Absolutely. “

He added: “At the end of the day, our thoughts are with the little girl in question, and we’re not prepared to make any more comments at all. Our grieving process is still continuing, and it’s very difficult.”

The mother of the young girl has denied reports Heath is the father.

Ledger - who was found dead from an accidental drugs overdose in January - has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda, with actress Michelle Williams.