Cowell 'proud' to become a father

Simon Cowell tonight revealed that he is “proud” to become a father.

The TV mogul, 53, confirmed reports that he is fathering his first child with New York socialite Lauren Silverman at the world premiere of One Direction’s film, One Direction: This Is Us in London.

“Things are changing in my life right now, for the better,” he told the BBC, adding: “I’m proud to be a dad.”

Cowell, who previously dated Mezhgan Hussainy and Terri Seymour, said he had never contemplated the thought of fatherhood before.

“It’s something I hadn’t thought of before, but now I know I feel good about it,” he admitted.

The X Factor boss added: “She (Lauren)’s a very special girl.” It is the first time he has opened up about becoming a father.

He previously remained tight-lipped about the story and refused to comment directly when he appeared at a press conference in Los Angeles earlier this month ahead of the new series of the US version of The X Factor.

“I haven’t read the newspapers,” he joked when questioned about the reports.

Asked if his schedule would be affected by being a father, he replied: “I really haven’t read the newspapers. Did I miss anything?”

He added: “Unfortunately, I have to keep this, for the moment, private. It’s just one of those things. Thank you very much anyway.”