Couple name their baby after golden girl Jessica Ennis

Having won the heptathlon in spectacular style on Saturday, the plaudits for the Sheffield athlete, left, have been rolling in, with some more unusual than others.

Fan Claire Croxall sent Ennis a message on Twitter last night to tell her: “My niece was born 20 minutes before your Gold. She’s named after you!! Is there any way you could send a message from her namesake?”

The 26-year-old was quick to reply, writing: “congratulations! That’s so sweet :).”

Ms Croxall, from Worcestershire, then told Ennis: “I think her Daddy is hoping she’ll be super sporty too!!! ;).”

Another fan, Charlotte Rowley, told Ennis that characters had 
discussed her on the long-
running BBC soap EastEnders, writing: “u know it’s big time when Jean on eastenders mentions you! xxx.”

It was apparently the first that Ennis had heard of it, as she wrote back: “ha ha no way! Whoop whoop xxxxx.”

Celebrity fans are lining up to meet Ennis, who tweeted earlier yesterday that she had met celebrity chef Oliver and Bruce Jenner, who won Olympic gold for the decathlon at the 1976 Montreal games and is now known for his appearances on television series Keeping Up With the Kardashians. She added: “This is so surreal! But so much fun!”

Oliver replied to Ennis: “So lovely to meet you darling. As I said you did everyone so proud! Dinner on me soon! Big Love JOx.”

It appears she is keen to take up the offer, as she told the TV chef: “great to meet u too! Dinner on you sounds lovely!x.”