Julia's looking swell

She has already regained her flat stomach after giving birth to twins last November, thanks to a vigorous exercise regime.

But Julia Roberts's post-pregnancy figure has grown substantially in another area.

The Oscar-winning actress's bosom appears to have doubled in size since she gave birth to Phinnaeus and Hazel.

Shortly after presenting an award at Sunday's Oscars ceremony, the 37-year-old joked that she had selected her sexy gown because of how well it flattered her embonpoint.

'This is the only dress brave enough to hold in my breast line,' she said in one of her first public appearances since giving birth. 'The size of my breasts is no laughing matter.'

Miss Roberts's best-known physical feature has previously been her wide smile, although her chest did attract attention in 2000 when she played the busty lead character in Erin Brockovich, for which she won a best actress Oscar.

That time her curves came courtesy of a gel-filled bra, but this time they're for real.

Asked if she was enjoying being a mother, she replied: 'I'm completely

happy at home with my kids. Tonight is all about just kind of reminding people that I didn't die, I just gave birth.'

Her new figure was enhanced by Dolce and Gabbana, who designed the one-off chiffon gown specially for her.

Other fans of the Italian designers' cleavage- enhancing gowns include Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue and Elle Macpherson.

Miss Roberts did not join fellow stars such as Cate Blanchett and Hilary Swank on the red carpet before the Oscars but instead slipped into the Kodak Theatre by a back door to avoid photographers.

After presenting the best director Oscar to Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby, she partied with close friend Oprah Winfrey at the Governors' Ball, the official Academy Awards after-show party.

Since giving birth Miss Roberts has largely retreated to her New Mexico ranch with her husband Danny Moder, a 36-year-old cameraman, and their twins, who were born five weeks early after their mother experienced complications in the final stages of her pregnancy.