Exclusive: Julianna Margulies Expecting!

• Aug 1, 2007 08:52 PM ET
• by Michael Ausiello

Take note, history books: I'm about to do something I've never done before - answer one of my blind items!

As I teased earlier today, onetime ER nurse Julianna Margulies is pregnant with her first child, sources confirm to me exclusively. The 41-year-old Emmy winner - who reportedly became engaged to boyfriend Keith Lieberthal in June - is due this winter.

It goes without saying that the baby news puts producers of Margulies' upcoming Fox courtroom drama Canterbury's Law in a bit of a pinch. A Fox spokesperson declined to comment (as did Margulies' rep), but a network insider says no decision has been made on whether art will imitate life for Margulies' fiery legal eagle.

My Canterbury's mole, meanwhile, tells me it's Margulies' preference that the pregnancy not be incorporated into the show, which leaves Fox with three options: Shoot as many episodes as possible before their leading lady starts showing; let it be known early on that Margulies' character has a big purse fetish; or delay the start of production until after she gives birth.

They'd better decide quick - production is slated to get under way later this month! No pressure, though.