When SARAH JESSICA PARKER announced last week, that she was expecting twin girls via a surrogate mother, Hollywood was left shocked, as the news came just weeks after insiders revealed she and MATTHEW had practically called time on their marriage for good.

Said to have been living “separate lives”, with a close pal adding, “They barely speak,” the couple of 12 years were expected to announce the end of their marriage – but instead dropped the baby bombshell!

“They’re happily anticipating the birth of their twin daughters later this summer with the generous help of a surrogate,” announced the pair’s rep. “The entire family is overjoyed.”

Ahlan! looks at the real reasons behind SJP’s shock decision…

Sellotape babies?

As their marriage hit the rocks in the wake of revelations about Matthew’s alleged affair last year, SJP was said to be the one who wanted to repair their shattered relationship.

With Matthew’s rumoured infidelity blamed by friends, on the fact he felt emasculated by his wife’s success with SATC: The Movie, Sarah immediately tried to make amends and defended her hubby, insisting, “I’m happy to be with him regardless, but I’m sure there are many times he wishes he wasn’t with me.” Adding that their marriage was “a treacherous train ride.”

Part of ‘the deal’?

Still kowtowing to Matthew, insiders have been left wondering if the actress cut a deal with her husband – who, say sources, was ready to leave her in the wake of his philandering – which included having more kids if he would stay.

But at 44, SJP is either unable, or unwilling to fit pregnancy into her schedule – after all, filming on SATC 2 starts soon and the actress has three other movies in production – opting for surrogacy to placate broody Matthew.

“To see my husband be the father I knew he would be, that makes me feel very lucky and privileged,” she insisted last week.

Doing it for james?

Devoted to their six-year-old son, James Wilkie, the pair could be embarking on parenthood to placate their beloved son.

And SJP herself has revealed how James runs the household – “I was sitting with him on the steps before Matthew and I went out... and he looked at me and said, ‘Mama, this has got to stop. Go upstairs and take that dress off!’”

And a friend spilled to US magazine, “They had a lot of unsuccessful tries [at having kids]. They came to the conclusion that this was the best alternative for expanding their family.”