Cannes 2016
Mel Gibson and his partner Rosalind Ross pack in the PDA's on the red carpet AFP/Getty

Hollywood legend Mel Gibson is expecting his first child with girlfriend of two years Rosalind Ross.

The Oscar winner has told friends he couldn't be happier to be a father again. "Mel and Rose are so excited about the baby," a source told People magazine.

"Mel loves being a dad and he and Rose can't wait to be parents together. The last two years have been some of his happiest years he's ever had."

The impending birth will be Mel's ninth child. He already has seven children with ex-wife Robyn Moore and a six-year-old daughter from his relationship with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, 46.

Mel, 60 met 26-year-old Rosalind – who is America's most decorated equestrian vaulter (a sport involving carrying out gymnastic dance routines on a moving horse's back) – after she applied for a job at his production company, Icon, reported Radar Online.

"She is great for him. She has her own life, but also seems to enjoy Mel's… They are very much on the same page," the source added.

The superstar recently received a 10-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival for his latest directorial success, 'Hacksaw Ridge' – a powerful World War II drama due out in November.

The film's trailer has received over five million views on YouTube.