Heath Ledger may have a secret love child

Tragic actor Heath Ledger may have fathered a secret love child who could make a claim on his estate, it has emerged.

The 'Brokeback Mountain' star's family say he had an affair with a woman of 25 when he was a 17-year-old schoolboy in his home city of Perth, Western Australia.

And Ledger's mistress -- who is now married with a family -- discovered she was pregnant with a girl after their relationship ended.

The Hollywood star's uncle, Hadyn, told Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper: "There is a very real possibility that Heath was the father."

If it is confirmed that Ledger, 28, is the girl's biological father, it could split his multi-million dollar estate between his two-year-old daughter Matilda Rose by his ex, actress Michelle Williams, and his secret love child.

Ledger, who died alone in his New York apartment in January from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, drew up his will before the birth of Matilda, on whom he doted.